Soccer

INTERNAL RACING AT FLAMENGO! PROBLEMS BETWEEN OFFICERS CAUSES CHANGES IN THE FOOTBALL DEPARTMENT

Director of External Relations at the club, Cacau Cotta no longer holds his role with Ferj, CBF and Conmebol.

The split between the football vice Marcos Braz and Cacau Cotta in the Flamengo board, motivated by political intentions, has caused developments and direct changes in the modus operandi of the red-black football department .

What happened?

The main reason for the split is that both are pre-candidates for councilors in Rio. Braz, who is deputy of football, seeks re-election. Cotta, in turn, intends to join the Chamber for the first time. Director of External Relations at the club, Cacau Cotta no longer holds his role with Ferj, CBF and Conmebol. The decision was taken in conversation with President Rodolfo Landim, last Tuesday, before the defeat to Palestino, by Libertadores.

Cacau still plays the "midfield" in some matters related to logistics of games. Attendance at events such as arbitration, for example, will no longer happen. The change occurs amid the lead exchanged between him and Marcos Braz. The Football vice-president had already vetoed the director on cast trips and other agendas. The climate became unsustainable.

Last Sunday, there were "punches" on social media. Braz made fun of the fact that the Brazilian round last weekend did not have a game at 11am. Cacau was asked by a fan, and replied that, at this moment, complaints about the calendar would have no effect.

Cotta's pre-candidacy for the Chamber took Braz by surprise, and was not well digested by the football vice-president. and by other leaders. Braz fears losing votes with the red-black electorate having an internal competitor in the dispute for a seat in the legislature.

In this scenario, the person who gained strength was Diogo Lemos, member of the football council. He is the one who will represent Flamengo in arbitrations from now on, with occasional appearances by Marcos Braz.

On opposite sides in politics

Cotta launched himself as pre-candidate for councilor for MDB. The leader posted a video making the event official alongside the vice-governor, Thiago Pampolha; the Secretary of Transport, Washington Reis; and state deputy Rosenverg Reis.

< /p>

Soccer

Flamengo's stance on Lorran is harshly criticized by the President of Madureira

club from the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, played an important role in Lorran's career, being responsible for discovering his talent

Considered a jewel of Mengão's ranks, the young player has already been through moments of almost being transferred at the club

The career of Lorran, a midfielder who is only 18 years old at Flamengo , is marked by contrasts and challenges. Considered a jewel in the Mengão ranks, the young player has already experienced moments of almost being transferred, being dismissed and having expectations regarding his future at the club.

Madureira, a club from the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, played an important role in the beginning of Lorran's career, being responsible for discovering his talent. Tricolor Suburbano still holds 30% of the athlete's economic rights.

Elias Duba, president of Madureira, gave an interview to "ge" this Monday (24). When asked about Lorran's situation and the near transfer to CSKA, from Russia, the president of Madureira took the opportunity to criticize Flamengo and coach Filipe Luís:

"I wasn't consulted about this, even though we have a stake. When I gave Flamengo 70% of it, I didn't negotiate the 70%, I gave it to Flamengo. For free. 'It's yours, you're going to make the player, and if the player turns out well, 30% is mine and I'm going to make money from it'. (Rodolfo) Landim (former president of the red-black team) received an offer that I think was around 30 million euros" , he began.

The manager revealed that he spoke directly with the former president of Mengão.

"I had direct contact with Landim and then when this proposal came up, I said: 'Landim, sell'. He called Spindel (executive director) and said: 'Duba is asking me to sell Lorran'", he said.

Duba gave more details about what Landim would have said to him at the launch event for the Campeonato Carioca, in 2024.

"Note what I'm saying, Lorran will be the biggest transaction of a player made by Flamengo in history. We're going to renew his contract, increase the fine, because this boy, the fine will be 100 million euros and his business is almost in that range" , Landim is said to have said.

The Madureira director regretted that Flamengo did not sell Lorran and criticized the red-black coaches.

"With those 30 (million euros) I would have put my kite in the air. When I see now a coach who arrives at Flamengo takes an asset from Flamengo, one of the biggest names that Flamengo has today, given that he had already had a previous offer, and was considered the goose that laid the golden eggs for Flamengo, and puts the guy on the sidelines...", he was indignant.

Duba does not agree with Flamengo's methodology

Within Flamengo, according to "ge", the board recognizes that there were flaws in Lorran 's training in the youth categories, which prevented his adequate development to shine in the professional team.

The decision to keep him training with the under-20s is part of a wider project by the club, which considers this approach a severe but essential measure for the player's development. However, Elias Duba expresses doubts about this strategy:

"I don't know what the reason is, but I'm suspicious. Something is going on. I didn't contact anyone from Flamengo to find out. The people who contacted me were Lorran's staff and Vinícius Jr.'s people. They wanted to talk to me and I said that the conversation isn't for me. Flamengo has 70% of the player, and they are the ones who control the player's federation rights. Whatever Flamengo does, I will comply," he said.

Lorran, considered the greatest jewel of Ninho do Urubu since Vini Jr's departure, has often had his name associated with European clubs. However, "ge" pointed out that Flamengo directors denied that a proposal of 30 million euros (R$ 185.8 million) had reached the club.

Having turned professional in 2023, Lorran became the youngest player to score a goal for Flamengo, at the age of 16. Under Tite's management, he enjoyed a good moment in the Brasileirão and had a sporting project set up to become an idol before a possible transfer to Europe. The athlete renewed his contract until August 2029, with a release clause of 100 million euros (R$619 million).

Soccer

Brazil vs Argentina - where to watch, probable lineup and time of the classic

The Brazilian team faces the current world champions this Tuesday (25), in Buenos Aires, seeking to get closer to the leadership

Brazil faces Argentina in the World Cup Qualifiers, in a decisive duel at the Mâs Monumental, in Buenos Aires - photo: reproduction

Brazil and Argentina face each other again this Tuesday (25) for the 14th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match takes place at 9 pm (Brasília time), at the Mâs Monumental stadium, in Buenos Aires, with live broadcast on Globo (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV).

The history of the South American classic records 109 clashes, with 43 Brazilian victories, 40 Argentine triumphs and 26 draws. In the standings, Lionel Scaloni's team leads with 28 points, while Brazil, under the command of Dorival Júnior , occupies the third position with 21 points won.

GAME DETAILS: TIME, BROADCAST AND REFEREEING OF THE MATCH IN BUENOS AIRES

The derby will be played at the Mas Monumental, one of Argentina's most iconic stadiums. The referee will be Andre Rojas, assisted by Colombians Alexander Guzman and Richard Ortiz. The video assistant referee (VAR) will be John Perdomo.

📆 Date and time: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 9:00 pm (Brasília time);

📍 Location: Mâs Monumental, Buenos Aires (ARG);

📺 Broadcast: Globo (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV);

🟨 Refereeing: Andre Rojas (referee), Alexander Guzman and Richard Ortiz (assistants);

🖥️ VAR: John Perdomo.

PROBABLE LINEUPS: BRAZIL WILL MAKE CHANGES, ARGENTINA WILL NOT COUNT ON MESSI

Argentina will be without key players, including Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, both injured. Nico Gonzalez is also suspended. Brazil will be without Alisson, due to FIFA concussion protocol, and Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Magalhães, who are suspended.

Argentina (Coach: Lionel Scaloni)

Probable team: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Paredes, Mac Allister, Giuliano Simeone; Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez.

Absences: Nico González (suspended), Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez (injured);

Question: From Paul (muscle discomfort).

Brazil (Coach: Dorival Junior)

Probable team: Bento; Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo and Guilherme Arana; André, Joelinton and Raphinha; Vini Jr. , Rodrygo and Savinho.

Out: Alisson (concussion protocol), Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Magalhães (suspended).

Soccer

Internacional president talks again about debt with Flamengo: "exposure"

Flamengo awaits payment of R$24 million from Internacional for Thiago Maia and is studying legal measures to resolve the issue

Flamengo seeks alternatives to receive the R$24 million from Internacional for the sale of Thiago Maia - photo: reproduction

Internacional has not yet made the payment of R$24 million for the purchase of Thiago Maia, who was traded to Flamengo in July 2024. Given the delay, Rubro-Negro is looking for alternatives to guarantee the receipt of the amount, including possible legal measures.

The president of the Rio Grande do Sul club, Alessandro Barcelos, commented on the situation and acknowledged the debt, but highlighted the financial difficulties faced by the Colorado. “Flamengo is within its rights. Just like Internacional has its creditors, those who owe the club. We are always dealing with the situation in the best possible way”, he stated.

INTERNATIONAL ALLEGED FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES TO JUSTIFY DELAY

In his speech, Barcelos mentioned that the Rio Grande do Sul club is looking for a solution for the payment and stated that the situation does not match Internacional's conduct. "It is not Internacional's style to keep this commitment open, but these are exceptional situations. We are looking for a solution," explained the director.

The president of Colorado also mentioned that the exposure of debts in Brazilian football could involve several teams. “Now, the exposure of creditors, if we were to do this in Brazilian football, all clubs would have some demand”, he concluded.

NEGOTIATION BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND INTERNACIONAL WAS CLOSED IN 2024

Thiago Maia's sale to Internacional was completed in July 2024 for 4 million euros (R$24.1 million at the exchange rate at the time). However, the full payment has not yet been made, which has generated dissatisfaction at Mais Querido.

In an attempt to settle the debt, Internacional sought to transfer the player to Santos at the beginning of the season. The São Paulo club would assume responsibility for the payment, but the terms presented were not accepted by Flamengo .

Rubro-Negro demanded that Santos present bank guarantees or make the payment in cash, which did not happen. Thus, the deal was suspended, and Thiago Maia remained at the disposal of Colorado.

FLAMENGO X INTERNATIONAL FOR THE BRAZILIAN LEAGUE

The midfielder continues to play for the Rio Grande do Sul club and will even be on the field in the match against Mengão this Saturday (29), at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the first round of the Brazilian Championship.