Flamengo clashes with FIFA over Club World Cup and Maracanã | OneFootball

FIFA’s use of the Maracanã for next year’s Women’s World Cup stirs behind-the-scenes debate

Preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup have opened a new chapter of discussions involving the Maracanã. Responsible for managing the stadium, the Fla-Flu Consortium is challenging requirements imposed by FIFA for staging the tournament, especially regarding the period of exclusive use of the venue and responsibility for construction work and preservation of the pitch.

Faced with the impasse, football’s governing body sent a formal letter to the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro requesting support to ensure compliance with the obligations set out in the contract signed for the competition. FIFA’s move did not please Flamengo and Fluminense.

WHY IS THE FLA-FLU CONSORTIUM CHALLENGING FIFA’S REQUIREMENTS?

The main point of disagreement involves how long the Maracanã will be reserved exclusively for the Women’s World Cup. Under the agreement, FIFA will have exclusive possession of the stadium starting 14 days before the first match played there.

However, there is also the so-called “Pitch Protection Period,” which provides for 28 days of preservation before the first match at the stadium, plus another five days after the games end. The Maracanã is currently confirmed as the venue for the World Cup final and is also being considered to host the opening match.

The Fla-Flu Consortium is trying to reduce this preservation period to minimize the impact on Flamengo and Fluminense’s schedule before the suspension of national competitions. The Women’s World Cup will be played between June 24 and July 25, 2027.

WHAT DID FIFA DEMAND FROM THE RIO GOVERNMENT?

In a document sent at the end of June, FIFA asked the State Government to intervene to ensure compliance with the clauses set out in the Stadium Contract. Among the highlighted points are the period of exclusive use of the venue, pitch preservation, and the carrying out of the necessary adjustments to host the competition.

According to Thiago Jannuzzi, director of operations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, after months of planning and project development, the concessionaire began claiming that the established deadlines could affect indicators set out in the concession contract signed with the State.

IN SHORT, WHAT ARE THE CONSORTIUM’S CONCERNS?

In the concessionaire’s assessment, fully meeting FIFA’s demands could generate financial and administrative consequences. Possible impacts include lower performance scores under the concession, adjustments to concession payments, the application of contractual penalties, and other mechanisms provided for in the agreement with the State Government.

SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE WORK AT THE MARACANÃ?

Another topic under discussion concerns the adaptations needed to bring the Maracanã up to the standards required by FIFA. The entity believes the improvements must be carried out to ensure the venue functions properly during the World Cup.

On the other hand, the Fla-Flu Consortium argues that it is not responsible for all the requested investments. The expectation is that the work will be split between the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the city government. The information comes from the GE portal.

SO WHAT IS EACH SIDE’S POSITION?

In short, the State Government said there is still no decision on the issues being discussed between the concessionaire and FIFA. FIFA, in turn, said it does not comment on ongoing negotiations, only noting that it continues to work together with its partners to make the 2027 Women’s World Cup possible.

The Fla-Flu Consortium had not commented on the case so far, also according to GE. Meanwhile, talks continue to define the terms for the use of the Maracanã during the biggest tournament in women’s world football.

AFTER ALL, WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

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