Breno Couto Rodrigo says Maracanã pitch ‘to be replaced’ in December | OneFootball

The Maracanã pitch will be replaced in December, specialist Breno Couto Rodrigo told Coluna Do Fla, after sustained criticism from Flamengo and Fluminense players this year.

Complaints about the surface have mounted across the year, and the consortium run by the two clubs recently refused Vasco use of the stadium ahead of their Copa Sudamericana meeting with Boca Juniors, citing technical reasons linked to the pitch.

On Sunday 27, the stadium staged an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. Repair works began on Monday 28 in response to the additional wear.

Rodrigo has previous with the venue, having worked on the turf installation for Rio 2016. The current surface differs markedly from the 1980s, reflecting significant evolution.

This week’s operation does not replace the plan set for year end. In September, a switch from Bermuda Celebration to Celebration Hybrid was scheduled for after Série A finishes in December, with a view to the 2027 season.

In the meantime, the stadium keeps lay and play turf grown on a farm in Saquarema, in the Região dos Lagos, allowing a new surface to be installed within days. A hybrid system has been in place since 2022, though it did not prevent 2026 wear.

The turnaround is short. Fluminense are due back on eight October against Coritiba in the Brasileirão, while Flamengo visit Santos at 19:30 Brasília time the same day at Vila Belmiro.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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