Corinthians fans step in as stadium debt crisis deepens | OneFootball

Corinthians’ most prominent supporters’ group, Gaviões da Fiel, is on the verge of securing a deal to extend the Doe Arena fundraising campaign, aimed at reducing the club’s stadium debt. Initially scheduled to run through the end of May, the donation initiative is now likely to continue at least until the end of the year, pending final legal clearances.

The Doe Arena campaign began in November 2024, launched in partnership with Caixa Econômica Federal, seeking to bring in R$700 million to address the outstanding balance on the Neo Química Arena. As of the latest update, the initiative has collected just over R$40.4 million, with the bulk of contributions coming from the state of São Paulo—more than R$28.4 million in total. The campaign’s largest single donation came from Esportes da Sorte, Corinthians’ master sponsor.

One notable aspect of the operation is its hands-off approach by club officials and the supporters’ group itself: all funds generated are immediately transferred into a bank account, ensuring that neither club executives nor leaders of the fan organization manage the money. This arrangement was established to bolster confidence among donors and separate the campaign from ongoing controversies within the club’s leadership.

Corinthians currently face a stadium debt of roughly R$668 million, according to the most recent financial report. The fundraising drive, while ambitious, still finds itself far short of its initial target, highlighting both the challenge and scale of the stadium’s financial burden. Discussions to continue Doe Arena come as Corinthians grapple with wider financial instability at boardroom level, including reports of mounting short-term debts and leadership transitions.

Should the legal guarantees for the extension be confirmed, organizers hope that a longer window will allow the club’s broad fan base to step up contributions and help secure the Neo Química Arena’s long-term future. The move underlines the unique role that organized supporters continue to play, not just in matchday atmospheres but in addressing fundamental financial questions facing their club.

Source: UOL