Atlético-MG return to Liga Forte União after Flamengo and Libra row

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·28 de octubre de 2025

Atlético-MG return to Liga Forte União after Flamengo and Libra row

What is happening between Flamengo and Libra?

The atmosphere behind the scenes of Brazilian football remains tense. This is because the debates between Flamengo and Libra about improving the distribution of broadcasting rights are still ongoing. Amid the deadlock, Atlético-MG announced its departure from the group and return to the Liga Forte União (LFU).

“Clube Atlético Mineiro announces its decision to return to Liga Forte União (LFU), with the aim of decisively contributing to the creation of a unified league in Brazil. Since the beginning of the debate about creating a national league, Atlético has always advocated for a modern, sustainable model with clubs at the center of strategic decisions,” they said, before concluding:

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“The future return to LFU reflects the conviction that clubs in the same competition are interdependent and that cooperation is essential to strengthen Brazilian football,” concluded Atlético-MG.

What is the difference between Libra and LFU?

Both Libra and LFU are blocks of Brazilian football clubs. Thus, the main difference between them is the revenue sharing model, especially broadcasting rights.

Libra uses a 40-30-30 model (40% equal, 30% by performance, and 30% by audience). On the other hand, LFU adopts a model with a greater emphasis on equal distribution: 45-30-25 (45% equal, 30% by performance, and 25% by audience).

What is happening between Flamengo and Libra?

Flamengo does not agree with the current distribution of values regarding broadcasting rights in Libra. Thus, Mengão even presented a proposal so that the club would not suffer as much loss. However, teams like Palmeiras, Santos, among others, did not even agree to discuss the matter.

Frustrated by the lack of agreement with other clubs in Libra, Flamengo went to court to block Globo's payment to the teams. Thus, R$ 77 million did not reach the clubs' coffers after Mengão obtained an injunction.

See Atlético-MG's full statement:

Clube Atlético Mineiro announces its decision to return to Liga Forte União (LFU), with the aim of decisively contributing to the creation of a unified league in Brazil. Since the beginning of the debate about creating a national league, Atlético has always advocated for a modern, sustainable model with clubs at the center of strategic decisions. The future return to LFU reflects the conviction that clubs in the same competition are interdependent and that cooperation is essential to strengthen Brazilian football. Galo understands that LFU offers the solid structure for this model to materialize, combining consistent governance, unity of ideals, long-term vision, incentives for healthy cooperation, and professional processes, in line with the best practices of the world's leading sports markets. LFU is an association that brings together 33 Brazilian clubs, 11 of which are from Série A, with the purpose of modernizing the structure and governance of national football. Created in 2022, the association represents a solid and coordinated movement of some of the country's main clubs in promoting improvements in professional football, seeking greater financial sustainability, transparency, and competitive balance. Structured under a professional governance model, LFU signed a long-term investment agreement in 2023, ensuring revenue predictability and autonomy for its members. Atlético will take this step to add value, lead by example, and contribute to a unified league that promotes competitive balance, club growth, and financial sustainability. Galo believes that individualistic attitudes compromise dialogue and weaken the common purpose. The development of football is only possible through cooperation among clubs. Sports Media Entertainment will acquire part of Atlético's economic rights related to the Brazilian Championship. The implementation of this transaction will respect existing contracts and will be subject to the fulfillment of a series of precedent conditions and obtaining the necessary approvals,” said the club.

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