Marcos Braz Criticizes Club World Cup Officiating and Defends De La Cruz
Former Flamengo vice-president Marcos Braz has once again commented on the officiating during the 2023 Club World Cup, which led to the team’s elimination in the semifinals against Al-Hilal. Braz labeled the referee as a “thief and a bum,” alleging that the official was “sent” and that the outcome was harmed by on-field decisions, including two controversial penalties awarded to the Saudi Arabian team.
“The Romanian is a thief, a bum, and he went there to steal from Flamengo!”, stated Braz, recalling that the referee had previously worked in Saudi Arabia. He criticized the official’s demeanor after the match, implying he was unconcerned with complaints because the result was already decided.
Flamengo, winners of the 2022 Libertadores, faced the tournament under Vitor Pereira, following Dorival Júnior’s departure, and finished in third place.
In addition to rebutting criticism about the officiating, Marcos Braz defended midfielder De La Cruz, who has faced scrutiny for absence due to injury. Braz emphasized that the player was recommended by the coaching staff and was important in the team’s 2024 successes, such as the State Championship and the Copa do Brasil. He stated that the signing followed the same process as other players and that the Uruguayan’s performance cannot be considered a technical or sporting error.
Journalist João Vítor Reis, from Coluna do Fla, opined that Braz should have spoken out at the time of the events, criticizing the substitution of Dorival Júnior for Vitor Pereira, which he considers a setback. Braz’s statement reignites the debate surrounding Flamengo‘s participation in the Club World Cup and the decisions that impacted the team’s performance.
