Santos slam Flamengo’s stance, demand respect for Libra agreements | OneFootball

The Santos took a strong stance on Saturday against the legal action of Flamengo that blocked the transfer of R$ 77 million from TV Globo to the clubs of the Libra league. In an official statement, the São Paulo club accused the current Flamengo administration of acting in a self-centered manner and trying to change already agreed rules in the middle of the season, directly harming the unity among the league's associates.

Context of the injunction

Last Friday, Flamengo obtained a favorable decision in the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice, suspending the payment of the portion of the Brasileirão broadcast rights destined for Libra. The Rio club argues that the current criteria for dividing the 30% slice linked to pay-per-view audience do not recognize its revenue-generating power. According to Flamengo, its fan base represents about 47% of the total of the league's teams, while the slice intended for it is just over 20%.

Flamengo also argues that it tried to negotiate amicably before resorting to the courts, but that Libra was intransigent. For the club, the imposed division generates an estimated loss of more than R$ 100 million per year.

Santos' Reaction

Santos' response was harsh and incisive. The club stated that Flamengo's attitude disrespects established agreements and goes against the spirit of collectivity that should guide Libra. “The current Flamengo administration seems not to understand that it is responsible for fulfilling agreements made by past administrations. Moreover, it insists on ignoring that individualistic attitudes, from those who only look after their own interests, weaken the unity and the spirit of loyalty that would strengthen all of us,” wrote Santos.

The Santos statement goes beyond formal criticism. In a provocative tone, the club questioned whether Flamengo “believes it can play competitions without opponents”, making clear the view that Flamengo tries to impose its market strength over the other league participants. For the Santos board, this type of attitude undermines any attempt at collective strengthening of Brazilian football.

Santos also emphasized that the attempt to change the division criteria with the championship already underway generates legal uncertainty and weakens the Libra project. “The intention to change the rules of the game with the championship underway, as Flamengo does, only reinforces the conviction that, as long as this type of thinking and behavior exist, Brazilian football will be sidelined,” the club highlighted.

Finally, Santos stated that it trusts that the Rio de Janeiro Court will recognize the legitimacy of the agreement made with Globo and will restore the legality of the collective contract.

Impacts on Libra

Libra itself had already classified the measure as unilateral and harmful to clubs that depend on the transfer to maintain cash flow, pay salaries, and honor debts. Santos reinforced this point, aligning with the entity's discourse and arguing that only unity can guarantee greater appreciation for Brazilian football.

While the legal dispute continues, Globo should deposit the amounts in court. If the injunction extends until the end of the season, the withheld resources could reach R$ 230 million. Libra has already appealed the decision, and the expectation now is that the Rio de Janeiro Court will reassess the blockage.

Check out Santos' full note:

“Santos Football Club publicly expresses its repudiation regarding the attitude of the current administration of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo that, even after signing the agreement with the Brazilian Football League (Libra) and TV Globo, decided to go to court and, through an injunction, blocked the transfer of R$ 77 million related to broadcast rights.

The current Flamengo administration seems not to understand that it is responsible for fulfilling agreements made by past administrations. Moreover, it insists on ignoring that individualistic attitudes, from those who only look after their own interests, weaken the unity and the spirit of loyalty that would strengthen all of us. Or does Flamengo believe it can play competitions without opponents?

The management of Santos Football Club believes that Brazilian football will only grow and strengthen according to its potential when clubs understand that they need to work together. The intention to change the rules of the game with the championship underway, as Flamengo does, only reinforces the conviction that, as long as this type of thinking and behavior exist, Brazilian football will be sidelined.

In light of this, we trust that the Rio de Janeiro Court will understand what is truly behind this action and promptly restore the legality of the agreement made between the group and TV Globo.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.