Flamengo in dispute with FIFA over World Cup and Maracanã | OneFootball

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

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 hosting 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 an official 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 sit well with Flamengo and Fluminense.

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

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 held there.

However, there is also the so-called “Pitch Protection Period,” which provides for 28 days of preservation before the opening match at the stadium, plus another five days after the end of the games. 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 ASK OF THE RIO GOVERNMENT?

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

According to Thiago Jannuzzi, operations director for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, after months of planning and project development, the concessionaire began alleging 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 view, fully meeting FIFA’s demands could generate financial and administrative consequences. Possible impacts include lower concession performance ratings, adjustments to concession fees, the application of contractual penalties, and other mechanisms provided for in the agreement with the State Government.

SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE WORKS AT THE MARACANÃ?

Another topic under discussion concerns the adaptations needed to bring the Maracanã in line with FIFA’s required standards. 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 interventions will be split between the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the city government of the capital. The information comes from GE.

SO WHAT IS EACH SIDE’S POSITION?

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

The Fla-Flu Consortium has 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.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION, AFTER ALL?

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