English club sets date for response to Palmeiras by Andreas Pereira, ex-Flamengo

Created to reward clubs that contributed players to the World Cup, FIFA's Club Benefits Program has been expanded. From now on, teams that have players called up for the qualifiers , such as Flamengo, will also receive financial compensation .

The announcement was made by the organization itself, which confirmed the distribution of more than R$1.8 billion to clubs that release players to national teams . This amount represents an increase of almost 70% compared to the last edition of the program, implemented during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

HOW THE NEW MODEL WILL WORK

Until now, the benefit was restricted to clubs that had players called up for the World Cup. With this change, FIFA aims to be more inclusive and reach a wider range of teams: "The new edition of the FIFA Club Benefits Program for the 2026 World Cup will go a step further and recognize, in economic terms, the immense contribution made by clubs and players from around the world to the celebration of the preliminary and final stages of the tournament," said Gianni Infantino, president of the organization.

For the 2022 World Cup, the amount distributed was US$209 million (approximately R$1.1 billion at the current exchange rate). For the 2026 edition, the amount will rise to US$355 million , which represents approximately R$700 million more. In the last edition, 440 clubs from 51 different federations were included.

NASSER AL-KHELAÏFI’S INVOLVEMENT

The increased financial contribution was directly supported by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, owner of PSG and president of the European Club Association (ECA) . He led negotiations that resulted in the program's expansion. Despite the initial focus on benefiting European clubs, the measure will have a global reach. After the announcement, Al-Khelaïfi celebrated the progress:

"More clubs around the world will receive a reward for releasing their players. Clubs play a fundamental role in the success of international football , and this initiative recognizes all aspects of that role, from developing younger players to releasing them to play in more important matches," he declared.

ESPN journalist André Galindo sparked debate by analyzing the current atmosphere at Maracanã , especially during Flamengo games . According to the commentator, the stadium has lost some of the intimidating atmosphere that characterized previous eras.

André Galindo, from ESPN: "At the old Maracanã, Flamengo was scary, but not anymore"

According to Galindo, the new Maracanã no longer commands the same respect from opponents as the old one. He recalled that, in the past, the pressure from the red-and-black fans made a difference on the field, something that seems to have weakened today.

" Flamengo at the New Maracanã is 'my house, your house.' There's no hostile atmosphere. At the old Maracanã, Flamengo was scary, but not anymore. The only stadium in Rio that can have a hostile atmosphere is São Januário . Other than that, no one can," he declared.

CRITICISM OF ORGANIZED FANS

The journalist also criticized the lack of synchronicity among organized fan groups. In his view, the lack of unity harms the atmosphere in the stands , previously considered one of the strongest in South America.

"Flamengo doesn't scare anyone in the stadium these days. The fans don't sing, the organized fans don't sing together; it's disorganized . At the old Maracanã, yes, the old Flamengo fans were scary, but nowadays they don't scare anyone," he added.

Senseless criticism

In the analysis, however, Galindo did not take into account important points: Flamengo remains alongside Mirassol as the only undefeated team at home in the 2025 Brasileirão. After the duel against São Paulo in the Brasileirão, the tricolor's coach, Hernán Crespo, even gave 'thanks to God' that he would not face Mais Querido again at Maracanã .

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Despite the criticism, Maracanã will be the stage for another decision. Next Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), Flamengo hosts Estudiantes (ARG) for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

Flamengo should have reinforcements for the clash this Thursday (17), at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes , at Maracanã, for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Striker Bruno Henrique and full-back Varela are the main names that should return to the team after absences last Sunday (14), against Juventude, for the Brazilian Championship.

Bruno Henrique returns to the team after feeling pain and undergoing a load control, while Varela, who returned from the FIFA Date with pubalgia, trained normally this Tuesday (16) and should be included in the match.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

Despite the returns, Flamengo will still have significant absences. Midfielder Jorginho suffered a muscle edema in his left thigh and will miss the match against Estudiantes . Alex Sandro continues to treat a left calf injury.

In addition, midfielder Pulgar is in the final stages of recovery from surgery on his right foot and will have at least two weeks of physiotherapy training before rejoining the squad.

PROBABLE LINEUP

Flamengo 's likely lineup for the match is: Rossi; Royal (Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Saúl, De La Cruz, Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.