Santos await CBF approval to host Coritiba at Neo Química Arena | OneFootball

Santos are awaiting CBF sign-off to move their Campeonato Brasileiro meeting with Coritiba to Neo Química Arena on 17 May at 11:00 Brasília time. According to Diario Do Peixe, the fixture was initially set for Vila Belmiro, but the board chose São Paulo to boost revenue and reach a bigger crowd.

The club filed the venue change by Thursday seven May, as rules require at least 10 days' notice, and all paperwork has been submitted while they await CBF's official confirmation.

Inside the club, the game is also viewed as strategic for Neymar, falling on the eve of the final Brazil squad announcement for the World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti's first definitive list.

There is a belief that a higher capacity venue could amplify the occasion and aid the number 10 as he competes for a place.

Kicking off at 11:00 trims operating costs because floodlights are not needed. Previous dates at Neo Química Arena have cost about R$ 950,000 in rent, with Santos retaining all gate receipts.

Corinthians are away that round, which eased the agreement, and the deal provides extra income for the capital club before a pause in the national calendar.

Santos are also weighing moving the 30 May meeting with Vitória to São Paulo, a decision that will depend on the team's run in the coming rounds. The plan is to split May's home games between Vila Belmiro and the capital.

Source: Diario Do Peixe