FERJ warns Carioca clubs to field at least seven first-team players or lose payments | OneFootball

Clubs in the Campeonato Carioca have been told to field at least seven first-team players in each game or risk losing prize money.

The Rio de Janeiro state federation said in a Thursday statement that, after the third round of the Taça Guanabara, any club that, without just cause recognised by its DCO, fails to use its principal team will forfeit its minimum fixed broadcast share. If already paid or not due, a fine equal to the minimum share for one of the big clubs will be charged and redistributed to other participants. It said the stance protects commercial interests and respects supporters, and noted the four big Rio sides have earned more than R$ 1 million per match.

Flamengo will receive R$ 10 million for taking part in the tournament. This is the second such directive, following a pre-season instruction to use main squads from after the third match.

Flamengo followed that timeline, using their under-20s against Portuguesa, Bangu and Volta Redonda, then Filipe Luís’s senior side returned for the derbies with Vasco and Botafogo.

Flamengo and Vasco could yet fall into the Campeonato Carioca relegation quadrangular. There is speculation that, if they end up fighting to stay in Série A, they could rotate, but any side would still have to comply with the rule.

On Saturday 7, Flamengo face Sampaio Corrêa at the Maracanã at 21:00 Brasília time needing a win. They also require favourable results involving Nova Iguaçu, Madureira and Boavista.

Source: Coluna Do Fla