The FPF (São Paulo Football Federation) held this Tuesday (12), at the Pacaembu stadium, what it calls a “technical council meeting” of the Campeonato Paulista, with the directors of the 16 clubs, who approved the details of the 2025 edition of the competition. Then, the groups were drawn.
The tournament will start on January 15th, a Wednesday, and will end on March 26th, another Wednesday. The decision, therefore, will be made at an earlier time in the year than when it normally occurs. It was an adjustment to the calendar published by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), as the Brazilian Championship will start on March 29th.
The teams were divided into four groups, in regulations similar to those adopted in recent years. The teams only face opponents from the other groups, and the top two teams from each advance to the quarterfinals, held in single-game matches, as well as the semifinals. The decision has two legs.
Current three-time champions, Palmeiras heads Group D, which also includes Ponte Preta, São Bernardo and Velo Clube. The Alviverde club is trying to become the first to win the Campeonato Paulista in more than a hundred years. The last to achieve the feat, still in the amateur era, was Paulistano, winner in 1916, 1917, 1918 and 1919.
The FPF’s expectation is that the competition in 2025 will have up to seven teams from the first national division. Palmeiras, São Paulo and Santos are guaranteed in next year’s Brazilian Series A. Corinthians and Bragantino are still fighting to stay in the elite. Mirassol and Novorizontino are close to ensuring access.
Check out the Paulista Championship brackets
Group A
Corinthians
Inter de Limeira
Mirassol
Botafogo
Group B
Santos
Bragantino
Portuguese
Guarani
Group C
São Paulo
Novorizontino
Holy Water
Northwest
Group D
Palm trees
Ponte Preta
Saint Bernard
Velo Club
