Soccer

Libra clubs want to exclude Flamengo from the bloc; understand

Mengão entered into litigation with the League due to a lawsuit that blocks the transfer of funds corresponding to 30% of the audience share

Libra clubs seek a way to exclude Flamengo in the bloc's statute - Photo: Reproduction/LiBRA/Flamengo

08 Out 2025 | 07:48 |

The crisis in the Brazilian Football League (Libra) has reached its most delicate point since the bloc's founding. Based on the club's bylaws, executives of member clubs are evaluating the possibility of excluding Flamengo, one of its founders and main commercial pillar . The information was released by journalist Lucas Musetti (UOL) on the program De Primeira and reflects the deepening rift between the Rio de Janeiro club and the other members of the league.

BLOCKING OF R$77 MILLION IGNITED THE CONFLICT

The tension, previously confined to the sidelines, became public after Flamengo obtained an injunction in Rio de Janeiro courts blocking the transfer of R$77 million from the second installment of the broadcast rights contract with TV Globo. The amount was to be distributed among all Libra clubs.

Behind the scenes, the action was interpreted as a breach of trust and an attempt to "change the rules while the game is still underway." The central point of the dispute is the criteria for dividing TV revenue, especially the calculation based on viewership.

WHAT THE CONTRACT SAYS

The current agreement provides for the split to follow the 40%-30%-30% model :

40% in equal parts ;
30% according to sports performance ;
30% according to the audience .

Flamengo disputes the methodology used to measure this audience, claiming that the bylaws are silent and that the current system results in a loss of over R$100 million annually for the club. Journalist Rodrigo Mattos, from UOL, published an excerpt from the document that highlights the lack of specificity regarding the distribution percentages.

LIBRA POSITIONING

In an official statement, Libra refuted Flamengo's arguments and stated that the distribution rule was " approved unanimously at the General Assembly , including by Flamengo itself, and without reservations." The organization also accused the club of breaking off dialogue and creating an "artificial fact" to exert economic pressure on the other members, emphasizing that "Brazilian football has no owner."

REACTION FROM OTHER CLUBS

Santos' Marcelo Teixeira on the Libra crisis: "There is an intention to exclude Flamengo"

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira was one of the most vocal critics, calling Flamengo's stance "individualistic and predatory." She stated that she intends to take legal action to seek compensation for the losses caused by the injunction. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirmed that there is an internal analysis of the legal viability of expelling the "Mais Querido" from the league:

"Libra released an official statement refuting each point and clarifying the facts. Internally, there is an intention to exclude Flamengo, due to the seriousness of this attempt to change the rules during the game . This is not a Santos initiative, but a study based on the statute," the director stated.

FLAMENGO DEFENSE

Flamengo, for its part, argues that it has always sought dialogue but has faced resistance from other clubs. According to the board, the lawsuit was a last resort to ensure the club's representation was respected . The club also maintains that the injunction only covers the 30% of the hearing, precisely the point in dispute, without compromising the remaining 70% of the transfer.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR THE LEAGUE

While Libra is trying to overturn the court decision and release the R$77 million, the bloc's future is in doubt. The potential expulsion of Flamengo, its largest market asset, could have profound commercial and political impacts , threatening the very existence of the league created to unite clubs and strengthen Brazilian football.

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Libra clubs want to exclude Flamengo from the bloc; understand