The Maracanã Consortium, managed by Flamengo and Fluminense, has vetoed Vasco‘s use of the stadium for the third time, citing the delicate pitch replacement process and a tight schedule.
The saga over the venue selection for the clash between Vasco and Boca Juniors, in the Copa Sudamericana semifinals, gained a new chapter this Monday (28). The Maracanã Consortium officially denied the club’s request to host the decisive match at the country’s largest stadium, scheduled for October 20.
This marks the third time this year that the rubro-negra and tricolor management has blocked the rival’s use of the stadium. Previously, matches against Vitória and Palmeiras, both valid for the Copa do Brasil, were also denied access, citing pitch preservation and event logistics.
Pitch Issues and a Packed Schedule
This week’s veto was justified by the Maracanã administration due to the need for pitch recovery. After hosting an NFL event, the stadium began a complete grass replacement this Monday, substituting the old turf with the Bermuda Celebration standard. The consortium highlights that the stadium will have hosted 58 games by the end of September, an overload that has already drawn public criticism from Flamengo athletes, such as Arrascaeta and Rossi, as well as coach Leonardo Jardim.
In addition to the construction work, October’s schedule is a decisive factor for the refusal. Between Vasco‘s match against Boca Juniors and the Libertadores semifinal, where Flamengo faces Estudiantes (ARG) on the 22nd, there would be too short an interval for the new pitch to consolidate. As explained by the M360 Team, the short recovery period would make it impossible to ensure the necessary preservation for the Rubro-Negro‘s decisive clash.
Vasco’s Alternatives and CONMEBOL’s Deadline
Facing the impasse, Vasco’s president, Pedrinho, is exploring alternatives, although the internal atmosphere at the club is one of exhaustion. The executive is seeking, with CONMEBOL, flexibility to play at São Januário, which currently does not meet the minimum requirement of 30,000 seats for this stage of the competition.
“I will try to increase the visitor’s space at São Januário. I have a good relationship with Riquelme (Boca’s president). We will try to give all the support to Boca’s fans at São Januário. I ask that CONMEBOL’s president have some flexibility and authorize me to play at São Januário,” declared the Vasco executive.
Another possibility raised would be the Nilton Santos stadium; however, Boca Juniors shows resistance to playing on artificial turf. Time is running out for the Rio de Janeiro board, as the South American entity’s regulations require the official stadium definition at least ten days in advance, meaning by October 10.
While their rival seeks a solution, Flamengo is preparing to return to activities after the FIFA Date break. The Rubro-Negro is focusing on their commitment against Santos, in the Brazilian Serie A, before returning to the renovated Maracanã pitch for the classic match against Fluminense on October 11. The decisive match for a spot in the Libertadores final, against Estudiantes, remains confirmed for the 22nd, at the same venue.
M360 Team
