Flamengo and Fluminense say Vasco’s Maracanã deal invalid as concessionaire did not sign | OneFootball

Flamengo and Fluminense, via concessionaire Fla-Flu Serviços S.A., filed a defence on Friday in the case brought by Vasco over hosting their Copa do Brasil quarter-final against Vitória at the Maracanã. They argue the refusal stems from a pre-arranged pitch recovery programme set before Vasco’s approach.

According to Globo.com, the clubs say Vasco had publicly indicated São Januário, then only requested the Maracanã eight days later, on 19 August, by which time maintenance was under way. The week of 23-29 August was blocked out entirely for restoration, leaving no dates available.

They cite a 29 July assessment that found heavy wear due to intense use. Based on that review, maintenance firm Greenleaf scheduled a full shutdown from 23 to 29 August, which covers the match date of 26 August.

The concessionaire also cites preparations for the NFL Rio Game on 27 September. Works across August and September were planned to meet NFL requirements for the surface.

The filing includes a statement from defender Léo Pereira after Flamengo v Cruzeiro on 19 August, saying the pitch was very poor for both sides and affected performance. The clubs say this supports the need to preserve the recovery window.

Flamengo and Fluminense further contend that last year’s Memorandum of Understanding, which envisaged Vasco using the stadium for eight games in 2025 and 2026, is not binding on the concessionaire. They state the document named the concessionaire as an intervening party but its signature field was left blank, with only the three clubs signing.

As a result, they argue the memorandum has no validity or effect to compel the concessionaire to release the Maracanã to Vasco.

Source: Globo.com

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