The Copa Brasil Trophy, also known as the Taça das Bolinhas (Cup of the Little Balls) and often referred to as the Brazil Cup, is one of the most iconic symbols in Brazilian football. Created in 1975 by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBD) and sponsored by Caixa Econômica Federal, this trophy was designed to honor the first football club in Brazil to win the Campeonato Brasileiro three times consecutively or five times alternately from 1975 onwards. The story of this trophy is not just about its physical attributes but also the intense rivalry and controversies it has sparked among Brazilian football clubs.
Design and Symbolism of the Jules Rimet Trophy
The Copa Brasil Trophy stands at 60 centimeters tall and weighs 5.6 kilograms. Its design is unique, composed of 156 spheres, with one made of gold and the others of silver. The spheres, arranged in 13 levels, increase in size as they rise, culminating in a golden sphere at the top, symbolizing the ultimate champion. The trophy rests on a rosewood base, giving it an elegant and timeless look.
The artist Maurício Salgueiro designed this trophy with the intention of representing the growth and progression of teams during the championship. The increasing size of the spheres signifies the escalating challenge and competition, with the golden sphere at the pinnacle representing the apex of success in Brazilian football. The design also incorporates remarkable dynamic tensions, capturing the energy and movement of the athletes at the moment of victory.
The Evolution and Impact of the FIFA World Cup
From 1975 to 1992, the original Copa Brasil Trophy was awarded to the winning club of the Campeonato Brasileiro, but only as a temporary prize. Each victorious team received a miniature replica, 30 centimeters in height, to keep in their trophy cabinet. The regulations stipulated that the club that won the championship three times consecutively or five times alternately would gain permanent possession of the original trophy. However, this rule only applied to titles won from 1975 onwards, meaning previous Brazilian championships were not counted.
The current trophy, introduced in 1974, represents a new era in the tournament’s history with its distinct design and features, including requirements for future replacements due to inscription limitations.
Between 1980 and 1985, during a period when the championship was known as the Gold Cup, another trophy over a meter high was awarded. Additionally, in 1987 and 1988, during the Copa União era, another trophy, the Copa União Trophy, was introduced by Placar magazine, adding to the complexity of the trophy’s history.
Controversies Surrounding the Trophy
The most famous controversy surrounding the Copa Brasil Trophy involves the club Flamengo and its claim to have won the Campeonato Brasileiro five times, which would entitle it to the trophy. The dispute centers on Flamengo’s controversial 1987 title. That year, the Campeonato Brasileiro was divided into two separate tournaments: the Green Module (Copa União), which Flamengo won, and the Yellow Module. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) ruled that the winners of these two modules should face each other to determine the overall champion. Flamengo, along with Internacional, the Green Module runner-up, refused to play against Sport Recife and Guarani, the Yellow Module winner and runner-up, respectively.
This refusal led to the CBF recognizing Sport Recife as the official champion of 1987. The ensuing legal battles dragged on for years, with courts repeatedly upholding Sport Recife’s claim. Despite this, Flamengo continued to assert its claim to the 1987 title, leading to confusion and division among fans, clubs, and football authorities.
With only a few games remaining in the season, Flamengo was far behind in points due to their inability to stay focused and consistent in the face of these scandals, which also had a big effect on the team’s performance in the domestic league.
The Final Decision and Aftermath of the New Trophy
In 2010, the CBF finally decided to award the Copa Brasil Trophy to São Paulo Futebol Clube for winning the Campeonato Brasileiro five times alternately (1977, 1986, 1991, 2006, and 2007). This decision came after years of legal wrangling and intense debate. São Paulo received the trophy on February 14, 2011, despite Flamengo obtaining an injunction to prevent the handover. Flamengo continued to challenge this decision in court, seeking recognition of its 1987 title and rightful claim to the trophy.
The final decision had a significant impact on the teams’ performance in the Copa Libertadores, as the recognition of titles often influences club morale and international standing.
The legal disputes reached a conclusion in 2014 when the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) upheld Sport Recife as the sole 1987 champion. This ruling was later confirmed by the Federal Supreme Court (STF) in 2017, effectively ending Flamengo’s quest for the 1987 title. Despite this, Flamengo filed another lawsuit in 2018, this time seeking recognition of the Green Module of the 1987 Campeonato Brasileiro as a separate championship, thus creating the possibility of two Brazilian champions for that year. However, this move did not result in the division of the title.
The Legacy of the Taça das Bolinhas and the Brazilian Football Confederation
The Copa Brasil Trophy, or Taça das Bolinhas, remains a symbol of both the glory and the controversies that define Brazilian football. While São Paulo holds the trophy, the debates and emotions surrounding it continue to evoke strong feelings among fans and clubs alike. The significance of the Taça das Bolinhas extends beyond Brazil, highlighting the competitive landscape of football in South America. The trophy’s history is a testament to the passion, rivalry, and drama that characterize the sport in Brazil. As it sits securely in a bank vault, the Taça das Bolinhas serves as a reminder of the intense battles fought on and off the pitch for the ultimate honor in Brazilian football.
