CRACK DO IT AT HOME! FLAMENGO MAKES PAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

Controversies always seem to surround Flamengo, and yet another unexpected piece of news involving the club came to light this Wednesday (18), this time related to women's football. Rubro-Negro was condemned by the courts in a case brought by six former players, with a decision that surprised everyone.

The action, which had been ongoing since 2021, resulted in a conviction worth R$3.2 million. According to information from Uol, the names of the players were not revealed, but they were released during the reformulation of the sport in 2022 and were seeking recognition of a professional bond with Flamengo.

Flamengo, which maintains a partnership with the Brazilian Navy did not pay the athletes directly, as they were third sergeants. They played for the club between 2015 and 2021, a period in which they won the Brazilian Women's Championship. However, the players argued that the practice adopted by the club and the Navy was irregular, according to the partnership contract.

“An item in the cooperation term made it clear that the Navy would not provide financial resources, nor would it carry out the direct transfer of facilities. Flamengo was intentionally omitted to pay the athletes”, guarantees lawyer Rafael Cunha.

Despite the initial decision, Flamengo can still appeal. The Regional Labor Court of Rio de Janeiro unanimously understood that Flamengo benefited from the situation and determined that the club must record the athletes' contributions in their Work Cards, in addition to paying the due salaries and other labor obligations.

In addition to these six players, eight others also filed lawsuits against Flamengo for the same reason, but their trials have not yet taken place. In response to Uol, the club commented on the case:

“Of the nine legal actions involving former Navy athletes and coaches, eight had court decisions removing the employment relationship with the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, considering that these are exclusively third-level Navy sergeants”, he says.

Last week, children who practice judo in the social project Jogaremos Juntos, promoted by Flamengo's Social Responsibility, had an unforgettable experience. They visited the club's headquarters, in Gávea, and trained alongside Flamengo's judo teachers and athletes, experiencing a day full of learning, discipline and sportsmanship.

In total, 70 children, from centers of Cantagalo and Queimados, had the chance to practice judo under the guidance of high-level professionals, reinforcing the values ​​of the sport, such as respect, determination and teamwork.

At the dojô, the children were welcomed by the coach of the under-13 and under-15 red-black judo teams, Rodrigo Domiciano, who, together with club athletes, shared his experiences and spoke about the importance of dedication to progress in the sport. “In the midst of so many negative references, it is essential that these children have positive references. Here they can see that it is possible to reach a higher degree, seek a black belt, seek important competitions and this will change their realities”, he said.

For many, the day was a unique opportunity to become inspire, dream big and continue following the path of sport. “The children came very excited. They've been talking about coming here to Flamengo for a week. It's important for them to be here, in a different place, with so much structure... This all makes them want to dedicate themselves more”, said professor Alves, who teaches judo at Jogaremos Juntos - Núcleo Queimados. Cantagalo resident Leda Maria Pereira de Macedo, mother of student Davi, added. “Children who live in communities need sports so they don't get lost and judo has already got my son back on track. He now has discipline, he has become another child! Davi takes a shower, goes to bed early... I'm very happy. I'm very grateful to have the project there”, she praised.

With its own methodology, Jogaremos Juntos is an education project through sport, based on socio-emotional skills. Through it, children and young people have the opportunity to work on self-knowledge, resilience, empathy, focus and other skills that they learn from sports and put into practice to face and overcome challenges in life, whether at school, in family or with friends.

In total, the project serves 800 children in six communities in Rio de Janeiro - Cantagalo Pavão Pavãozinho, Complexo do Alemão, Vila Aliança, Morro do Banco, Santa Cruz and Queimados - with classes football, judo, basketball, artistic gymnastics and volleyball. The project is encouraged by the Federal Sports Incentive Law and has Shell as a sponsor.

Last Saturday, the 4th, the exciting edition of the Pan American Games came to an end, a sporting event that mobilizes athletes and fans from all over America. Brazil had reason to celebrate, as it won the bronze medal in men's basketball, a notable achievement for the national sport. However, the news brings a shadow of concern for Flamengo fans, as two important members of the team, Didi Louzada and Scott Machado, were unable to compete for the podium, which could complicate FlaBasquete's journey in Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB).

Didi Louzada, one of the team's highlights, suffered a slight sprain in her right ankle during the clash against Puerto Rico, in the last round of the group stage. This injury prevented him from participating in both the semi-final and the bronze game. However, there is a certain relief, as the athlete has been undergoing intensive treatments since the time of the injury, which raises hopes for his speedy recovery.

Scott Machado's situation, on the other hand, It is a cause for great concern for Flamengo and its fans. According to information from journalist Enéas Lima, the shipowner suffered a probable fracture in his foot. New tests will be carried out in Rio de Janeiro to confirm the severity of the injury. If the fracture is confirmed, the red and black board must take measures to make up for the player's absence, either through signings or using other athletes from the squad.

News that may bring some relief in the midst of These concerns are due to the fact that, according to Enéas, the athletes from the men's basketball team who participated in the Pan American Games were covered by insurance. This means that the insurance will cover Scott Machado's salary during the period in which he is out due to injury, which could help minimize the financial impacts of this absence.

Despite the casualties of Didi Louzada and Scott Machado, Flamengo will be able to count on the return of other important players, such as Gui Deodato, Gabriel Jaú, Maique and coach Gustavo De Conti, who will certainly play a fundamental role in the continuation of the season. The situation becomes even more urgent when we look at Flamengo's NBB calendar. After a period of break due to the participation of some of its players in the Pan-American Championship, Flamengo will return to the court this Tuesday, the 7th, to face Botafogo at Maracanãzinho. Coach Gustavo De Conti will have to deal with the absence of Scott Machado and, most likely, Didi Louzada. These absences represent an additional challenge, as both players play crucial roles in the team and are frequently used in matches.

After the clash against Botafogo, Flamengo will face Vasco next Thursday, on the 9th, with command from the Cruzmaltino field. The team's return to the NBB after participating in the Pan-American Championships marks the beginning of a series of games for the national competition. It is a crucial moment for FlaBasquete, as any fluctuation in the team's performance could affect its overall performance in the tournament.

In summary, Flamengo won bronze in men's basketball at the Pan American Games, but the injury Didi Louzada and Scott Machado's possible fracture raise concerns about the team's performance in the NBB. Didi Louzada's recovery is promising, while Flamengo awaits the results of Scott Machado's tests to determine the measures to be taken. The insurance company that supported the national team's players at the Pan-American Games helps alleviate the financial impacts of Scott Machado's injury. Flamengo will have to deal with important absences in the next NBB games, which makes these matches a crucial challenge for the team.