Flamengo and coach Leonardo Jardim were fined by CONMEBOL for US$100,000 due to a delay in the Libertadores. The amounts will be deducted from the club’s prize money.
CONMEBOL has imposed financial sanctions on Flamengo and coach Leonardo Jardim following a delay in the restart of the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.
The incident occurred during their match against Independiente del Valle, played in Quito, Ecuador.
The South American entity’s decision, announced this Wednesday, reflects the competition’s strict disciplinary regulations.
The most significant aspect of the news is the substantial financial impact on the club and its coach.
Flamengo will have to bear a fine of US$60,000, equivalent to approximately R$308,000 at the current exchange rate.
For Leonardo Jardim, the penalty totals US$40,000, roughly R$205,000, bringing the total amount in fines to US$100,000.
Details of the Punishment and Regulations
The fines are based on CONMEBOL’s Disciplinary Code, which establishes penalties for clubs and coaches in situations involving delays in the start of the second half.
The rule is clear and aims to ensure adherence to scheduled times for broadcasts and match organization.
The Libertadores regulations detail the infractions and their costs:
“In the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final stages: a minimum fine of US$20,000 will be imposed on the club and a fine of US$15,000 on the coach for each minute of delay. In the event of a second and subsequent infraction, a minimum fine of US$30,000 will be imposed on the club and a fine of US$20,000 on the coach for each minute of delay.”
Financial Impact and Possible Appeal
The amounts corresponding to the fines will be automatically debited from the sums Flamengo is set to receive from broadcasting rights and sponsorships.
This is a common practice by CONMEBOL to ensure the payment of imposed penalties.
Flamengo has the right to appeal the decision, seeking to overturn or reduce the applied amounts.
The club’s legal team will analyze the terms of the punishment to define the best defense strategy.
Libertadores Scenario
Despite the sanction, Flamengo has shown strong on-field performance.
In the match against Independiente del Valle, the Rio de Janeiro club secured a victory in the first leg and a draw in the return leg at the Maracanã.
With this, they secured their spot in the tournament’s semifinals.
In the next phase of the Libertadores, Flamengo will face Argentina’s Estudiantes in what promises to be an intense match.
On the other side of the bracket, Palmeiras and Fluminense will determine the other finalist, adding more excitement to the final stretch of the continental competition.
CONMEBOL’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of punctuality and adherence to rules in high-level competitions.
For Flamengo, the focus is now split between a possible appeal of the fine and preparation for the crucial match against Estudiantes.
M360 Team
