FORMER REFEREE REPORTS EDINA ALVES' ERROR IN THE FLAMENGO X FORTALEZA MATCH

Flamengo has kept Jorge Jesus as a frequent target since the historic 2019 season. However, bringing him back, currently at Al-Hilal, would not be an easy task, especially due to the coach's high salary, which is among the highest paid in the world.

According to information from journalist Jorge Nicola, the termination fine to remove "Mister" from the Arab club is 40 million reais. Furthermore, it would be necessary to negotiate a new salary, as Jesus currently earns around 70 million reais per year, tax-free, which is equivalent to more than 6 million reais per month. The Portuguese's name resurfaced at Flamengo by candidates for election at the club.

If Flamengo or any other Brazilian club managed to sign him, Jesus would become the highest paid football coach on the continent, surpassing Abel Ferreira, coach from Palmeiras, who receives around 3 million reais per month.

With Tite's situation uncertain to lead Flamengo in 2025, Jorge Jesus' name begins to be mentioned behind the scenes. However, the Brazilian team could also enter the dispute for the coach. Despite the recent arrival of Dorival Júnior at the helm of the national team, there is suspicion within the CBF about the continuity of his work.

Therefore, Jorge Jesus becomes a coveted target for both Flamengo and the Brazilian team, both of whom are aware that they will have to make a considerable investment if they want to rely on the technician.

Since the beginning of the year, competing in all possible competitions, Flamengo has faced a series of problems in the final stretch of the season due to wear and tear. Injuries and the need to save players have caused headaches for Tite, a situation that, according to André Rizek, should not happen.

For the journalist, Flamengo has a squad deep enough to rotate the team. He believes that Tite could have rotated more throughout the season to, at this point, have more players in ideal physical condition. Rizek cited the game against Grêmio as an example, where Mengão, even with a completely modified team, played good football despite the defeat.

“Flamengo has reached a point in the season where the team is so hurt , so tired... It's clear. You see Flamengo play, the team is dead. I would have done the same (save against Grêmio). Yesterday's game (Sunday, 22nd) is a sign that Flamengo could have rotated the squad a little more during the season. Flamengo's C team had a good performance against Grêmio", said the commentator.

Even two-time champion in 2019 and 2020, André Rizek criticized Flamengo for not fighting adequately for the Brasileirão in recent years. He argues that the team has a qualified and abundant squad to compete in both cups and the points championship, but has chosen to focus more on knockout competitions.

“Flamengo, with the squad that There is, it's a team to fight for the Brasileirão title every year and for four years, in this final stretch of the championship, it has been distant. In all these years, Flamengo has dealt with such a great sense of urgency in the cups that the Brazilian Championship is like this... it didn't work”, he assessed.

This season, Flamengo even led the Brasileirão for a few rounds, but stumbles, greatly influenced by the preservation and wear and tear of the players, ended up damaging Rubro-Negro's chances of remaining at the top of the table.

The CBF released, this Friday morning, the VAR audios of the match between Flamengo and Fortaleza, which was marked by controversy. The penalty awarded in favor of the red-black club, in the first half, generated a lot of complaints from Leão players. However, the video referee maintained the decision on the field, intensifying the controversy surrounding the move.

In the 35th minute of the first half, striker Pedro was brought down by Pedro Augusto inside the area. Referee Edina Alves promptly awarded the penalty and VAR, led by Caio Max Augusto Vieira, reviewed the play. After analysis, Vieira agreed with the initial appointment. The decision caused dissatisfaction among Fortaleza players, who contested the lack of a more careful review.

The controversial move occurred when the red-black striker was preparing to kick and received a subtle touch from behind the tricolor player. In the released recordings, it is possible to hear the discussion between the referees about the intensity of the touch and its influence on Pedro's fall. The consensus was that the contact was sufficient to justify the penalty being awarded, despite Fortaleza's complaints.

The release of the audios by VAR was an attempt by the CBF to clarify the decision and increase transparency in the arbitration process. The measure, however, divided opinions between fans and experts, with some defending the referees' interpretation and others criticizing the lack of consistency in similar moves. The controversy reinforces the need for continuous improvement in the use of technology in Brazilian football.

The match ended with Fortaleza's victory, but discussions about refereeing overshadowed the final result. The release of audios by VAR highlights the growing pressure for greater clarity and precision in decisions that directly influence the outcome of games. The CBF remains committed to improving the use of VAR, seeking to minimize errors and increase fairness in national football.