Zico surprises Leo Ortiz and appears in a press conference at Flamengo CT

Flamengo is at an impasse with the Brazilian Football League (Libra). President Luiz Eduardo Baptista , known as Bap, is contesting the contract signed by Rodolfo Landim's previous administration and seeking more favorable terms for the club. Without the support of the other members of the bloc, the possibility of appealing to the courts is beginning to be considered behind the scenes.

According to the "Máquina do Esporte" website, Libra leaders are growing concerned that the dispute will progress to court , jeopardizing plans to unify the groups discussing the creation of a single national soccer league. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which would seek to bring the Libra and LFU blocs closer together, has not yet progressed.

The broadcast contract signed by Landim with Globo, valid until 2029, is seen by Bap as a source of significant losses . The new management estimates that the current conditions could represent losses of close to R$100 million per season compared to the amounts received until 2024.

QUOTA DIVISION CRITERIA

The current model provides for an equal distribution of 40%, 30% based on sporting performance, and 30% based on viewership. It is precisely this last criterion that the club is questioning. The club is attempting to recoup approximately R$23 million under the contract to balance the books.

According to Flamengo , in the pay-per-view split, both teams receive identical shares, even when there is a significant disparity in fan base, such as in a match against Red Bull Bragantino. The club advocates that fan numbers be considered when determining the revenue share.

FlaBasquete began a series of friendly matches in Spain to prepare for the Club World Cup. On Wednesday afternoon (10), Rubro-Negro faced San Pablo Burgos, a team from the Spanish elite, and was defeated 106 to 86. The clash marked the squad's first game activity after the full presentation of the athletes, which took place less than a week before.

Despite the negative result, the match served as an important assessment for the Mais Querido coaching staff. The match helped to get the players back into game rhythm, test their physical fitness, and observe the first collective movements at the start of the season.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Flamengo will now continue its preparation schedule on Spanish soil. Next Friday (12), at 3 pm (Brasília time), the team will return to the court to face San Sebastian in another friendly match to prepare for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Soon after, the delegation will travel to Singapore, the venue for the world competition.

MATCH DETAILS

Throughout the game, FlaBasquete trailed in every quarter. The first quarter was even, ending 26-21 for the Spanish team. The lead slowly grew until halftime, 56-42 . In the third quarter, San Pablo Burgos took off and opened up a 20-point lead (85-65), a lead they maintained until the end, with both teams scoring 21 points in the final quarter.

The starting lineup led by Sergio "Oveja" Hernández featured Alexey Borges, Gui Deodato, Shaq Johnson, Markeith Cummings, and Wesley Castro. Also participating were Dee Bost, Eric Buckner, Jhonatan Luz, Daniel Onwenu, Kayo Gonçalves, Alex Negrete, and Guilherme Hubner. The offensive standout was Kayo Gonçalves, who scored 15 points . Alexey Borges also shone, scoring 14 points.

INTERCONTINENTAL CUP

Flamengo 's Intercontinental Cup debut is scheduled for September 18th at 6am (Brasília time) against NBA G League United. The following day, Flamengo will close out its group stage campaign against the Illawarra Hawks-AUS, also at 6am.

Flamengo faces Juventude this Sunday (14), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship . The leader of the competition arrives in Caxias do Sul to maintain the top of the table, while the rival from Rio Grande do Sul tries to add points to leave the relegation zone.

Juventude 's idol and technical reference, 44-year-old midfielder Nenê, made a point of highlighting the challenge of facing the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved ). For him, the match demands maximum attention from the entire Alviverde squad.

" It's one of the toughest games we've had this year. Motivation increases, focus increases. We have to be focused the whole time. This is a game decided by the details. If we slip up against high-quality players, they can decide the outcome at any moment," the athlete stated.

28-YEAR TABOO

In the first round, the Red-Blacks thrashed their opponents 6-0, their biggest victory in the match . Even so, there's a taboo to be broken: Mengão hasn't won at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium since 1997. For Nenê, overcoming the Rio attack requires a well-executed tactical plan, with low and compact lines.

" Tactically, we need to be perfect. Stay close together, as a block . And when we have the ball, show our personality, press hard, and keep the ball away from our goal to try to score," he added.

LEADERSHIP OF THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Flamengo has 47 points and leads the Brasileirão, three ahead of second-place Cruzeiro. A victory in Caxias do Sul will ensure they maintain their lead in the standings and keep their goal of winning the national title alive.