Palmeiras is facing a challenge with the suspension of defender Alexander Barboza, who was sanctioned by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) with a two-match suspension. The punishment stems from an expulsion that occurred in March during a classic against Flamengo when Barboza was still playing for Botafogo. Verdão invested around 3.4 million euros to secure the signing of the Argentine player, who had a contract with Fogão until December 2026. The suspension was imposed based on Article 258, which penalizes any violation of sports ethics. Barboza has already served one match of automatic suspension and still needs to serve one more. The decision is subject to appeal. In the match in question, Barboza received a direct red card after preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity for Flamengo. Referee Anderson Daronco reported that the player insulted him after the expulsion. This suspension could delay Barboza's debut for Palmeiras, which is scheduled to occur after the transfer window opens, which will be after the 2026 World Cup. If the sanction remains, he will have to serve the suspension in the match against Coritiba, set for July 22, and his debut for Palmeiras would be on July 26 against Atlético Mineiro in São Paulo.