Maracanã begins pitch replacement with Fla-Flu and Libertadores semi looming | OneFootball

Maracanã began replacing its pitch on Monday 28, scraping off the old surface before laying new Bermuda Celebration turf. The stadium’s administration says the work is on schedule and the field will be ready for the next games.

The overhaul started a day after the NFL’s first game in Rio, a 34-31 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Dallas Cowboys. Lance! reports the GrassMaster Stitch Machine’s arrival on Thursday 24 was brought forward from mid-October for 2027 Women’s World Cup preparations.

It follows weeks of criticism. Flamengo players and coach Leonardo Jardim complained publicly about the pitch, and Fluminense full-back Guga echoed the concerns after the early September win over Vasco. The Fla-Flu consortium acknowledged the problem on 11 September.

CEO Fred Nantes said the surface was below the desired standard and accepted there was clear frustration, adding that assessments should be based on technical data. The administration cited a hotter winter, heavy rain and fixture congestion, with 58 matches at the stadium by the end of September.

This week’s work does not replace the plan to switch from Bermuda Celebration to Celebration Hybrid after Série A ends in December.

The turnaround is tight. Fluminense are due back on 8 October against Coritiba, then Flamengo return to the new surface for Fla-Flu on 11 October. Fluminense host Palmeiras on 14 October in the Libertadores semi-final first leg, and Flamengo face Estudiantes on 22 October in the second leg after 15 October in La Plata.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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