Flamengo has submitted an ambitious project to the CBF featuring 66 structural proposals, aiming to transform the national game into a global economic and sporting powerhouse by 2035.
True to its tradition of leadership in Brazilian football, Flamengo has shaken the national landscape by filing a robust 65-page dossier at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). With a bold vision, the Rio-based club is not just suggesting adjustments but proposing a fundamental restructuring of the sport in the country. The stated goal is to increase football’s share of the national GDP to 1.21% over the next decade, moving billions and restoring the global prestige of our competitions.
The magnitude of the proposal reaffirms the Rubro-Negro‘s role as both a political and sporting protagonist. Beyond managing a team, the club has tabled a business plan for the football industry, addressing everything from the fan experience in the stands to strict governance over economic groups that control multiple clubs simultaneously.
Calendar and the pursuit of international standards
One of the most sensitive points addressed by the Mais Querido is the organization of the national calendar. The club advocates for the implementation of fixed match times, mandatory suspension of games during FIFA windows, and a 21-day winter break, aligning Brazil with the European model. The idea is to reduce the bloat of state championships and give squads more breathing room, ensuring the technical quality of the product on the pitch.
“Restructuring the calendar is a fundamental step toward increasing the value of club assets and delivering an elite product to fans, eliminating the unnecessary wear and tear that compromises technical performance in international competitions.”
Infrastructure and safety revolution
Regarding infrastructure, Flamengo is making a clear move against artificial turf, calling for the standardization of hybrid natural grass pitches in Serie A and B. Security is also a priority, with the club advocating for facial recognition technology and an end to single-team fan attendance policies. The club believes stadiums should be familiar, vibrant environments where traditional fan culture, including large banners, can coexist with cutting-edge technology to banish hooligans.
The controversial relegation model
Perhaps the most debated measure is the change to the Serie A relegation system. The plan suggests, starting in 2027, reducing the number of relegated teams to three while introducing a playoff format, with the eventual goal of reaching just two direct relegations by 2029. For many, the change aims to bring more financial stability to top-flight clubs, preventing unexpected drops from dismantling long-term projects.
The future through the lens of governance
The document goes beyond the pitch and addresses the issue of financial management. The club is demanding an effective Financial Fair Play system and strict criteria for the control of SAFs (corporate football clubs) to avoid conflicts of interest. For Flamengo, the future of the sport depends on protecting the development of young talent and ensuring that competitiveness is not destroyed by logistical inequalities or unfair economic disparities.
The proposal is now under review by the governing body. It remains to be seen whether the current CBF leadership will have the political courage to embrace this reform, which promises to be the turning point between the lingering amateurism of the past and the professionalization necessary to put Brazil on the level that the fans’ passion demands. Flamengo has done its part and set the ball in motion; now, the political landscape of Brazilian football will define the direction of our history.
