Soccer
26 Set 2025 | 18:00 |
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The Copa Libertadores semifinal between Racing and Flamengo pits two of the continent's giants against each other, albeit in very different circumstances. The matchup, besides being a clash of styles on the field, exposes the financial disparity between Argentine and Brazilian soccer .
According to market data, Racing's squad is valued at approximately R$430 million, while Flamengo's is valued at R$1.3 billion, almost three times as much . This difference reveals how the Rio de Janeiro club has built one of the most expensive and powerful squads in South America, while the Argentines are betting on young players from the academy and experienced athletes trained at home.
At Flamengo, players like Arrascaeta, Pedro, De La Cruz, and Samuel Lino are among the most highly valued on the continent. Continued investment in recent years has solidified Flamengo as a powerhouse off the field as well , comparable to mid-sized European clubs.
Without the same financial clout, Racing maintains the Argentine tradition of developing talent and operating on a more modest budget. Even so, they reached the semifinals after eliminating Vélez Sarsfield , demonstrating collective strength and tactical discipline, aspects that offset the economic gap with Flamengo.
This reality illustrates the current contrast in South American football: while Brazilian clubs enjoy million-dollar TV, sponsorship and box office contracts , Argentine clubs are struggling with financial constraints and the early departure of promising young players to Europe.
On the field, Flamengo is the favorite due to its squad size and market value. However, the pressure comes with the billion-dollar investment: each early elimination has an even greater impact . Racing, on the other hand, enters the field feeling lighter but motivated, knowing that overcoming a financial giant on the continent would be a historic feat.
Thus, the semifinal isn't just about football. It's also a clash between two forms of management and two economic realities : on the one hand , the financial power and depth of the red-and-black squad; on the other, Argentina's tradition of resilience, which continues to compete despite such vast odds.
Mengão managed to have the amount paid for TV 'blocked', as it attempts to review the agreement made with the League for broadcasting rights.
26 Set 2025 | 16:00 |
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The behind-the-scenes dispute over the Brasileirão broadcasting rights remains turbulent. Last Wednesday (24), Flamengo filed a lawsuit against Libra , questioning the division of quotas. The measure provoked an immediate reaction from the group of clubs , which released an official statement criticizing the red-black stance.
Libra on Flamengo's lawsuit: "The club claims losses within a billion-dollar contract, which does not reflect its financial situation"
“Libra repudiates the unilateral and sudden decision of the current Flamengo management, which filed a lawsuit against the group of clubs of which it is a part, blocking financial transfers enshrined in the contract and eroding the harmony of the group by questioning agreements already reached ,” the entity stated.
The Rio de Janeiro club is questioning the revenue sharing model. With the injunction granted by Judge Lúcia Helena de Passo of the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice, Globo was notified to deposit the amounts related to Libra's TV contracts in court. Flamengo is thus seeking to avoid losses that, according to its board, occur when the funds are distributed in a manner deemed unfair by game viewership.
The court ruling blocked some of the Libra clubs' funds: approximately R$77 million. If the impasse continues until the end of the season, the amount in dispute could reach R$230 million . The measure affects not only Flamengo, but also the other Libra members: São Paulo, Palmeiras, Santos, Bahia, Grêmio, Vitória, Atlético-MG, and Red Bull Bragantino.
The main disagreement lies in the division of audience shares. The other clubs argue that the distribution should be equal . Flamengo, however, argues that this does not reflect market reality. According to the club, in games like a match against Red Bull Bragantino, most of the viewership is due to the interest of the red-and-black fans. Therefore, the board considers it unfair that both teams receive equal amounts.
" LiBRA condemns the unilateral and sudden decision of Flamengo's current management, which filed a lawsuit against the group of clubs to which it belongs , blocking financial transfers enshrined in the contract and eroding the group's harmony by questioning agreements already reached. The club claims losses within a billion-dollar contract, which does not reflect its financial situation. This extreme measure confirms a stance that prioritizes short-term private interests, when in fact the true losers are the teams that rely on this money for their cash flow, bill payments, and salaries.
LiBRA has always been dedicated to serving the interests of its members, including Flamengo's concerns regarding the current model. Although this topic has been extensively debated in the past, the matter was brought back to the table and submitted to the democratic will of all members , who voted to maintain the current format. The institution will spare no effort to defend the legitimacy of collective decisions and compliance with contracts in court.
"The entity, together with its clubs, aims to protect the interests of the vast majority of clubs that believe in joint development, respect for agreements, and the strengthening of Brazilian football. It further emphasizes that the disagreement and the necessary legal action are directed exclusively at the conduct of the current management of the Flamengo club , which insists on not respecting commitments made and contracts signed by the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo institution, preserving the entity's respect for the history and fans of its associated club," Libra emphasized.
The world's largest American football league announces a partnership for three games over the next five years at a stadium managed by Mengão.
26 Set 2025 | 15:00 |
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Following the success of National Football League (NFL) matches held at Neo Química Arena in 2024 and 2025, it's now Maracanã's turn to join the league's official schedule. The NFL has confirmed that the most iconic stadium in world football will host a game in 2026 .
The agreement signed between the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and the NFL provides for three regular season games to be held over five years at the Maracanã, reinforcing the league's strategy of expanding the sport globally.
Rio Mayor on NFL Partnership at Maracanã: "It's the Perfect Marriage"
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro celebrated the announcement: "The NFL's multi-year partnership with Rio is a perfect match. It will be a historic event, with NFL games on the city's official calendar. I'm excited to see an American football match at Maracanã , the most iconic temple of world football," said Eduardo Paes.
Although this will be the first time Maracanã will host an American football game, it won't be the league's debut in the country. In September 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in front of over 47,000 fans at Neo Química Arena . This season, on September 5, 2025, Corinthians Stadium hosted the NFL again, with the Los Angeles Chargers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21.
The NFL's arrival at Maracanã also has a connection with Flamengo. Defender Léo Ortiz is a self-proclaimed fan of the sport and a New England Patriots fan . During the 2024 holiday season, he even traveled to the United States to watch the team play at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
The striker has not been used as a starter frequently at Mengão and the possibility of a transfer to the Brasileirão team is in vogue.
26 Set 2025 | 14:30 |
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With the end of the season approaching, Brazilian football clubs are already starting to plan for 2026. At Flamengo, which continues to fight for titles, the board is also evaluating movements in the squad, and one of the open situations involves Everton Cebolinha .
Currently a reserve under Filipe Luís, the striker has received opportunities during matches, but has lost ground, especially since the arrival of Samuel Lino. The uncertainty surrounding his future has sparked interest from other clubs.
According to the Bolavip website, Santos , led by Marcelo Teixeira, appears to be one of the interested parties. Grêmio, the player's training club, is also closely monitoring the situation and has the support of investor Marcelo Marques , who promises to assist in a possible negotiation.
Despite speculation, there are no negotiations underway. Everton Cebolinha's contract with Flamengo runs until June 2026. If he doesn't renew, the player can sign a pre-contract starting in January of the same year and leave the club free of charge.
With Everton Cebolinha at Filipe Luís' disposal, Flamengo is preparing to face Corinthians this Sunday (28) at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) for the 25th round of the Brasileirão. The Mais Querido is the leader of the competition with 51 points , one more than Cruzeiro, in second place.
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