Corinthians chief plays down pressure after Memphis exit, says he is acting for the club | OneFootball

Corinthians face turmoil, with president Osmar Stabile under pressure from members, councillors and fans after Tuesday's decision not to renew Memphis Depay's contract, which the club said was to protect its finances.

"They are saying I have disappeared, but I am working as normal at Parque São Jorge every day. We will resolve the squad's pending issues first, then pay the transfer bans," he told Blog do Nicola on R7.

Despite the announcement, Depay's exit might not be final, with mounting pressure potentially prompting a return to talks. Questions over the finances include the possibility he could seek R$ 180 million to revoke the extension, ge.globo reported.

Backlash on social media has added to the strain, and sponsors see Depay as an important asset. Ezze Seguros are understood to have cooled on renewing, while Esportes da Sorte are the main sponsor.

The club's finances are strained, with debt around R$ 2.7 billion and repeated delays in salaries and image rights. First-team wages are up to date, but image rights, holidays and Libertadores bonuses remain owed, and the women's team await July image rights.

Corinthians are seeking funds to clear two Fifa transfer bans and another from the CBF linked to CNRD arrears, together worth more than R$ 20 million.

MP-SP is probing payments of R$ 676.6 thousand to Mega Assessoria Operacional, allegedly without Federal Police clearance, and R$ 586.9 thousand for Stabile's private security via Bear Security.

In the early hours of Friday, fans hung protest banners outside Stabile's home.

Source: Meu Timao

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