Cue the music! Fla and Flu deny Vasco Maracanã again, 3rd time | OneFootball

Stadium management cites wear on the pitch, which began to be replaced this Monday (28)

The Maracanã Consortium, run by Flamengo and Fluminense, formally denied Vasco’s request this Monday (28) to host its match against Boca Juniors (ARG) at the stadium. The game is the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinal and is scheduled for October 20.

This is the third refusal to the rival club in 2026 alone. Previously, the management had already vetoed matches against Vitória and Palmeiras, both in the Copa do Brasil. The channel ‘Fanático Vascaíno’ first reported the news. According to the consortium, the large number of matches and the wear on the pitch led to the decision.

Pitch condition and schedule weighed on the decision

The explanation comes at the most delicate moment for the field this season. On that same Monday (28), the Maracanã began a full replacement of the pitch, one day after hosting an NFL game. The operation started with scraping off the old surface. Next, the team will install new rolls of Bermuda Celebration grass.

In addition, the administration estimates that the stadium will have hosted 58 matches in 2026 by the end of September. Flamengo players such as Rossi and Arrascaeta had already publicly complained about the condition of the surface. Coach Leonardo Jardim also criticized the field.

The October schedule reinforces the resistance. Fluminense host Palmeiras on October 14 in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal. Six days later, Vasco vs. Boca Juniors (ARG) would take place. After that, Flamengo will decide its place in the final against Estudiantes (ARG) on October 22.

That would leave the pitch with only two days to recover before Flamengo’s match. This argument had already surfaced last week, when someone linked to Flamengo told portal Coluna do Fla in advance that the request would be vetoed.

Vasco considers legal action, but focuses on São Januário

Vasco has not ruled out taking legal action to play at the Maracanã. However, the refusal has increased the board’s frustration over the issue. President Pedrinho believes the club is being prevented from exercising a right.

Even so, the executive has already told people close to him that he sees no reason to fight in court over an issue covered by an existing agreement. For that reason, one internal camp argues that efforts should be focused on São Januário. The stadium, however, has been barred by Conmebol due to capacity. In the Sudamericana semifinals, the governing body requires venues with at least 30,000 seats. Last Friday (25), the executive asked the entity for flexibility in an interview:

— I’m going to try to increase the away section at São Januário. I have a good relationship with Riquelme (Boca’s president). We’ll try to provide full support for Boca’s fans at São Januário. I ask the Conmebol president to be a little flexible and allow me to play at São Januário — said the Vasco president.

On the other hand, Nilton Santos Stadium, managed by Botafogo, appears as an alternative. However, the Argentine club is reluctant to play on artificial turf.

Conmebol demands a decision by early October

Conmebol wants an answer on the venue by early October. Under the regulations, the stadium must be defined ten days before the match. In practice, the deadline falls on October 10.

The tie begins on October 13 at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Then, the place in the final will be decided in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Atlético-MG and Montevideo City Torque (URU) will contest the other semifinal.

What is Flamengo’s next match at the Maracanã?

While Vasco looks for a venue, Flamengo is taking advantage of the FIFA international break. The team returns to the field on October 8 against Santos at Vila Belmiro in the Brasileirão.

Three days later, the Rubro-Negro returns to the Maracanã, now with the new pitch, for the derby against Fluminense. Then the team visits Estudiantes (ARG) on October 15 in Argentina for the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal.

Finally, the decisive second leg will take place on October 22 at 9:30 p.m. at the Maracanã, as Conmebol defined last week. That match is precisely what supports Flamengo’s argument about the pitch’s recovery time.

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