Eliminations cost Cruzeiro 235 million BRL in lost prize money.
Cruzeiro‘s early exits from the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil represent a significant financial blow to the club. It is estimated that the club—known as Raposa—has missed out on approximately 235 million BRL in prize money that could have been crucial for its strategic planning and investment. This substantial loss stems from the team’s inability to advance to the decisive stages of both competitions.
Libertadores losses total over 140 million BRL
Cruzeiro‘s run in the Copa Libertadores da América ended prematurely, preventing the club from competing for significant payouts. The Minas Gerais side would have had the chance to secure another 1.7 million USD (approximately 8.7 million BRL) by advancing to the quarterfinals. A hypothetical trip to the semifinals would have added another 2.3 million USD. The continental title, in turn, offered a prize of 25 million USD. Adding up all possible stages, CONMEBOL could have paid Cruzeiro up to 29 million USD, equivalent to approximately 148 million BRL. This amount would have been in addition to the 16 million BRL already guaranteed by reaching the round of 16. The elimination against Flamengo dashed any hopes of competing for the 35 million BRL prize designated for the runner-up.
Copa do Brasil also drains club funds
The situation in the Copa do Brasil was no different. Cruzeiro missed out on a considerable sum after being eliminated. Advancing to the semifinals, after overcoming Atlético-MG, would have earned the club another 9 million BRL. The dream of a seventh title, on the other hand, would have brought in another 78 million BRL paid by the CBF. In total, the club lost 87 million BRL that could have been obtained between the semifinals and winning the title. This value would have been added to the 9 million BRL already secured by qualifying for the quarterfinals. The 34 million BRL prize for the national runner-up also became unreachable.
Despite the financial losses in the major competitions, Cruzeiro celebrated their victory in the Campeonato Mineiro. However, the state tournament does not offer cash prizes for the champion, which does not alleviate the financial hole left by the eliminations on the national and continental stages.
This news was originally published by Equipe M360.
