Palmeiras Under-17 Squad Removed for Disciplinary Reasons, Coach Explains Decision
SÃO PAULO – In a stunning move, Palmeiras removed its entire under-17 squad – players, technical committee, and staff – for disciplinary reasons, ESPN reported last Tuesday (October 14). The team will now compete in the remainder of the Paulistão under-17 tournament with its current under-16 squad.
According to a statement released by the club, the decision was made by Palestrina base coordinator João Paulo Sampaio to “reinforce the importance and size of Palmeiras above squads.”
while acknowledging no specific “act of indiscipline” occurred, Sampaio emphasized the move as a demonstration of the club’s values. “The example is being set for this and other generations about the values preached,” he stated. “Palmeiras values the training of the human being above the training of the athlete. It values the Entity and the community above individual interests.there was no act of indiscipline per se.”
Verdão had recently qualified for the quarter-finals of the Paulista under-17 tournament after a 6-0 victory over Brasilis last weekend, utilizing a mix of under-17 and under-16 players in that match.
Club officials indicated that results are considered secondary in youth categories, with a greater focus on the holistic advancement of players. Sources within the team management highlighted a renewed emphasis on the human development of the players,which will be addressed during upcoming training periods.
The sidelined squad is scheduled to participate in the Super Copa Capital in Brasília in December. Earlier this season, the under-17 team reached the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in their age group, losing to Barcelona on penalties.
