Flamengo has voiced strong opposition to the Public Prosecutor’s Office recommendation to allow Vasco to use the Maracanã for a Copa Sudamericana match.
Relations behind the scenes in Rio de Janeiro football have grown tense once again following a new development regarding the management of the Maracanã.
The Fla-Flu Consortium, jointly managed by Flamengo and Fluminense, received a recommendation from the Rio de Janeiro State Public Prosecutor’s Office to authorize their cross-town rival to host a match at the city’s premier sports venue.
The public agency’s move came after the Cruzmaltino club faced repeated rejections in their bids to host their international fixture at the stadium.
The Rubro-Negro board’s primary concern centers on preserving the pitch, especially given the tight schedule of continental competitions during the decisive stretch of the season.
Official Stance and Institutional Defense
In response to the recommendation issued by the MP-RJ, Flamengo‘s board reacted firmly via an official statement released this Monday.
The club criticized what it considers interference in the operational and administrative decisions that fall under the purview of the stadium’s managers and the clubs involved.
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo views the Rio de Janeiro State Public Prosecutor’s Office’s attempt to interfere in determining the venue for football matches with concern. Flamengo recognizes and respects the constitutional role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but understands that respecting institutions also involves respecting the limits and duties of each one.
The Rubro-Negro management emphasized that the refusal to grant access to the Maracanã is based on technical criteria and the preservation of the playing surface.
Vasco‘s Copa Sudamericana semifinal clash is scheduled for October 20th, just two days before Flamengo hosts Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata for the Copa Libertadores semifinal.
Rival Alternatives and the Rubro-Negro Schedule
Without approval to use the Maracanã, the Vasco board is exploring alternatives with CONMEBOL to determine the venue for their match against Boca Juniors.
Options under evaluation include the São Januário Stadium, which would require the approval of clearance reports and a regulatory exception regarding minimum stadium capacity, and the Nilton Santos Stadium.
While debates over stadium venues stir up Rio de Janeiro, the squad focuses strictly on matters on the pitch.
The team’s next official match of the season will be against Santos in a Brazilian Serie A fixture scheduled for this Thursday at Vila Belmiro.
The team expects to maintain its focus on the final stretch of the tournaments, shielding the roster from off-field administrative and legal discussions.
