JORGE JESUS, EX FLAMENGO, GETS CLOSE TO WORLD RECORD WITH AL HILAL - CHECK OUT

Flamengo released an official statement on Monday (25) criticizing the CBF's decision to bring forward the end of the Brazilian Championship to December 7 and push back the dates of the Copa do Brasil. According to the red-black board, the change harms the season's planning and puts the athletes' health at risk .

ISONOMY PREJUDICED

The club stated that it had been consulted previously and had expressed its opposition to the change . Even so, the organization unilaterally confirmed the change, which generated strong dissatisfaction among the club's directors. Flamengo believes the decision violates the competition's equality, as it favors teams that do not compete in the Libertadores.

Flamengo on changes to the CBF calendar: "Such a scenario compromises the season's sports planning and, above all, the health of athletes"

In the note, the club highlighted:

"The decision, which brings forward rounds and shortens the competition period, imposes on Flamengo a heavier schedule of games and long trips in reduced intervals, in some cases even violating the minimum 66-hour period between matches —especially after the South American World Cup Qualifiers. This scenario compromises the season's sports planning and, above all, the health of the athletes."

NO REST

With the change in the calendar, Flamengo loses free weeks it would have had during the simultaneous Libertadores and Brasileirão competitions . Outside of the Copa do Brasil, the team could have used the period to train, recover players, and fine-tune the squad. Now, it will once again have an intense sequence of games, which could directly impact its title race.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

After the impressive 8-0 win over Vitória, Flamengo is now preparing for Sunday's game (31), when they host Grêmio at Maracanã for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão . Mengão is the isolated leader of the championship with 46 points, four ahead of Palmeiras, in second place in the table.

The transfer window continues to be a busy one for Brazilian clubs . Flamengo has already slowed down its search after signing Samuel Lino, Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, and Carrascal . Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama has strengthened its position with a longtime club favorite: Matheus França.

NEGOTIATION CLOSED

According to journalist Lucas Pedrosa, Vasco da Gama signed the player from Crystal Palace (ENG). The deal is a loan deal until June 2026, with the Rio de Janeiro club covering 70% of the midfielder's salary.

The negotiation, however, almost didn't come to fruition. This is because Estoril (POR) and Braga (POR) also showed interest. Despite this, Matheus França made it clear that he wanted to play for Vasco, and his wishes were respected by the English . The athlete is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this Tuesday (26).

TRAJECTORY AT FLAMENGO

A product of Flamengo 's youth academy, Matheus França made it to the professional ranks in 2022, winning the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil . In 2023, he had a good run under Vítor Pereira, which led Crystal Palace to invest 20 million euros (around R$104 million at the time) in his signing.

FOCUS ON THE FIELD

While monitoring market movements, Flamengo turns its attention to its next match . After the incredible 8-0 win over Vitória, Filipe Luís' team faces Grêmio this Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has released the squad list for Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Although five Flamengo players appeared on the preliminary list, only Alex Sandro was called up by the coach .

ANCELOTTI'S EXPLANATION

Ancelotti on Flamengo's absence of players: "My idea is to meet new players"

When asked about the selections, the manager explained that the goal was to create space for further consideration: "The list has changed a bit compared to the last call-up. There are nine players who are not currently in the squad, such as Carlos Augusto, Beraldo, Léo Ortiz , Danilo, Andreas Pereira, Gerson, Ederson, Antony, and Vinícius. They're not in the squad because I want to explore new players."

He added: "Regarding the technical profile, I know them all. But I want to analyze other athletes who can also help the national team . Those who were left out worked very well in the first call-up, and I'm grateful for that," the coach concluded.

FLAMENGO IN THE PRE-LIST

Besides Alex Sandro, other Flamengo players were among the pre-selection squad: Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Danilo, and Samuel Lino. However, none of them made the final squad. Coach Filipe Luís celebrated the absence of Mengão players from the squad , stating that for his job, the fewer players called up, the better.

QUALIFYING GAMES

Brazil will have two commitments in September:

• 04/09 – Brazil x Chile – 9:30 pm – Maracanã
• 09/09 – Bolivia x Brazil – 8:30 pm – El Alto Municipal Stadium
• (Brasília time)