Memphis ducks mixed zone after Libertadores exit, Corinthians fined | OneFootball

Corinthians’ elimination from the Conmebol Libertadores will have another financial impact on the club. Memphis Depay did not go through the mixed zone at Neo Química Arena after the 1-0 loss to Estudiantes on the night of last Wednesday (16), and the forward’s absence will result in a US$10,000 fine, approximately R$51,500 at the exchange rate used by the source. The information was first reported by Itatiaia.

The No. 10 left the stadium through an alternative exit and did not pass through the area designated for the press, where Conmebol’s official backdrop is also set up. The procedure is mandatory for players in matches organized by the continental body, and failure to comply results in a financial penalty for the club.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Memphis was one of the players most sought after by journalists after the match. Deep into stoppage time, the Dutchman had the chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but sent his shot over the goal. Shortly afterward, the referee ended the match and confirmed the Argentine side’s qualification.

Gustavo Henrique also did not go through the area

Memphis was not the only Corinthians player to leave Neo Química Arena without going through the mixed zone. According to the same report, Gustavo Henrique also failed to follow the protocol established by Conmebol.

The center-back’s absence should result in another US$10,000 fine for Corinthians. Therefore, if both penalties are applied, the impact related to the two players will reach US$20,000.

The amounts of the fines imposed by Conmebol are deducted from the prize money clubs are due to receive from the entity. In some cases, the player responsible for the infraction later covers the payment and reimburses his team.

Corinthians leave the Libertadores with millions in prize money

Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals, Corinthians earned US$4.95 million in prize money during their 2026 Libertadores campaign, an amount corresponding to approximately R$25.4 million in the conversion presented by Itatiaia.

The club advanced through the competition until facing Estudiantes in the quarterfinals. In the first match, played in La Plata, the teams drew 1-1, leaving everything wide open for the return leg in Itaquera.

At Neo Química Arena, the match remained scoreless for most of the night. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Alexis Castro received a pass from Tomás Palacios and scored for the Argentines.

Corinthians still had the chance to take the decision to penalties in stoppage time. Memphis stepped up to take a penalty, but sent the ball over the crossbar. The 1-0 defeat made the aggregate score 2-1 for Estudiantes and ended the black-and-white side’s Libertadores run.

Corinthians turn their attention to the Brasileirão

With the continental elimination, Timão now turn their focus to the Brazilian Championship. The team is going through a run of poor results and needs to bounce back in the domestic competition.

Their next match will be on Sunday (20), at 4 p.m. Brasília time, once again at Neo Química Arena. The opponent will be Fluminense, in the 28th round of the Brasileirão.

Before returning to the pitch, Corinthians will still have to deal with the consequences of the night of elimination. In addition to the sporting frustration, Memphis’ decision not to go through the mixed zone will trigger another financial punishment from Conmebol for the club.

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