Corinthians fans protest at Neo Química Arena during Libertadores decider | OneFootball

Corinthians fans continued their سلسلة of protests on Thursday night (20) against the political and administrative situation the club is going through. During the second-leg match against Rosario Central of Argentina, in the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16, banners were displayed in the stands of Neo Química Arena with messages aimed at the club’s institutional situation.

Among the messages shown in the stadium were the phrases “Faithful fan, right to vote!”, “Judicial intervention now” and “Enough amateurism!”. The protests took place during Timão’s decisive match in the continental tournament, while the fans also continued supporting the team on the field.

Photo: Reproduction / Central do Timão

This Thursday’s action had already been announced by Corinthians’ main organized supporter groups earlier in the week. Gaviões da Fiel, Camisa 12, Pavilhão 9, Estopim da Fiel, Coringão Chopp and Fiel Macabra said the demonstrations would continue during the match, but emphasized that the squad would receive support in the search for qualification.

The movement in the stands is another step in a mobilization that has gained strength in recent days. Last Wednesday (19), hundreds of fans gathered in front of the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office headquarters to demand progress in the investigation examining a possible judicial intervention in the club.

On that occasion, representatives of the supporter groups took part in a meeting with prosecutors André Pascoal and Luiz Ambra Neto, who are responsible for the civil inquiry. After the meeting, members of the Public Prosecutor’s Office explained that the investigation is still at an early stage and that there is no set deadline for a possible conclusion.

The prosecutors also stressed that the agency’s work will follow technical criteria and that public pressure does not directly interfere with the analysis of the evidence. At the same time, they acknowledged that the fans’ demonstration shows the social significance of the case and the concern of part of the Fiel about the club’s direction.

A possible judicial intervention, however, depends on different stages. If the Public Prosecutor’s Office understands that there are enough elements to move the matter forward, it will be necessary to file a lawsuit in court. It will then be up to the judiciary to decide whether or not such a measure should be adopted.

Crisis off the pitch fuels protests

The protests are taking place amid a series of problems Corinthians is facing in the administrative and financial spheres. The club currently has three transfer bans, two imposed by FIFA and one by the Brazilian Football Confederation’s National Chamber for Dispute Resolution (CNRD). The pending issues related to these sanctions total approximately R$ 22 million.

The financial situation is also a cause for concern. Corinthians ended 2025 with a deficit of R$ 143 million and total debt of approximately R$ 2.7 billion. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the club posted losses of more than R$ 130 million.

In addition, the squad has been dealing with delays related to image rights payments, vacation pay and bonuses. The administration led by Osmar Stabile is also under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office over contracts involving security companies.

In recent days, the political environment has become even more turbulent after the president reported threats against him and his family, in addition to the leak of personal data. The Brazilian Football Confederation later issued a statement condemning the incidents.

Mobilizations continue on Saturday

The series of demonstrations does not end at Neo Química Arena. The organized supporter groups have called for a new protest this Saturday (22), at 10 a.m. Brasília time, in front of Parque São Jorge. The expectation is to bring together members of the organized supporter groups, club associates and regular fans. According to the groups behind the mobilization, the goal is to keep up the pressure for changes in Corinthians’ administrative management and to defend greater fan participation in the club’s decisions.

The banners displayed during Thursday’s match reinforced some of those same demands, calling for voting rights for members of Fiel Torcedor, judicial intervention and changes in the way the club is run. While the mobilization takes place in the stands and outside the stadium, Corinthians is also fighting for its sporting future this season. After a 0-0 draw in the first match at Gigante de Arroyito, Thursday’s clash will determine who advances to the Libertadores quarterfinals. If there is another draw after 90 minutes, qualification will be decided on penalties.

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