Series A4: The new Paulista division brings together world champions, Libertadores champions and traditional clubs | soccer

The ball will roll for the Paulista A4 Series starting on Saturday (27). There are 16 teams competing for two spots to reach the A3 State Series. The competition will consist of those who were relegated from A3 in 2023 and those who advanced to the third stage in the last edition of the competition – which “Pizinha” went to.

Among the contenders are traditional clubs, such as XV de Jaú, which turns 100 in November, and the recently created Ska Brasil, managed by five-time champion Edmilson.

América, Rio Branco and Benapoliense make up the list of teams that have competed in the top flight this century and are now seeking a return to the São Paulo scene.

Series C champion in 2004, União Barbarense will also be in contention, as will Osasco Audax – runner-up in Series A1 under Fernando Diniz in 2016.

To encourage the creation of new talent, the São Paulo Football Federation allowed each club to have up to five athletes over the age of 23. Some teams took advantage of these vacancies with well-known names on the national scene.

Hey ge It brings together players who have played for top clubs in Brazil and those spread across the country, both on and off the pitch.

The list contains names such as Alli, Franca and Fabricio, who all wore heavy football shirts for São Paulo. Five-time champion Edmilson (manager) is another attraction of the tournament.

• Fabricio (22 years old), striker, member of the Libertadores champion squad with Palmeiras in 2020.

• Alli (38 years old), midfielder, former Sao Paulo and Atletico MG player. He was part of the group that won Paulistão, Libertadores and a Mundial with Tricolor in 2005.

• Rodriginho (40 years old), striker, Brazilian champion with Fluminense in 2010.

• Diego Souza (39 years old), coach, second division champion with Palmeiras in 2003 and striker for the Brazilian national team at the 2003 Pan American Games.

• France (32 years old), midfielder, former Palmeiras and Coritiba player.

Edmilson (47 years old), club president, is a five-time champion with the national team and a former player for Sao Paulo and Barcelona.

In the first stage, the two teams face each other in one round. The best eight advance to the quarter-finals, and the last two teams will be relegated to the Paulista U23 League.

In the knockout stages, teams compete in two-legged matches, and in the event of a tie, whoever has the best campaign advances to the stage. The two finalists are guaranteed access to Series A3.

Clubs participating in the A-4 will be able to compete in the Copa Paulista in the second semester, which was not allowed for those in the fourth division until this year.

Learn about the first round matches

• America s UA Berberense – Saturday (01/27) – 3 pm
• ska brazil s Go Audax – Saturday (01/27) – 3 pm
• Jabaquara s Baritos – Saturday (01/27) – 3 pm
• Benapolinsi s White River – Saturday (01/27) – 4 pm
• independent s National – Saturday (01/27) – 7 pm
• 15th of Gao s Francana – Sunday (01/28) – 10 am
• You s Tacuaritinga – Sunday (01/28) – 10 am
• Jusensei s Sao Carlins – Sunday (01/28) – 3 pm