Sports Journal
CBF supports stadium in Gávea
CBF Agency
Joy — Ricardo Teixeira, Marcio Braga, and Dean Bonham meet at CBF headquarters. Next door is a model of the stadium that the club's director plans to build in Gávea.
Flamengo has gained an important ally in its fight to get the Gávea revitalization project off the ground. CBF president Ricardo Teixeira received the club's stadium construction project from Flamengo president Marcio Braga yesterday and gave his full support to the initiative.
The club's director was very excited about the project's positive reception by the CBF and also took the opportunity to comment on the problems that are preventing the project from continuing.
"Ricardo Teixeira was delighted with the project. He said it will be a very good project for the neighborhood and has every chance of success. Furthermore, our license to carry out the work, which had expired, was renewed for a year, and our legal department is handling the matter in court, which involves an injunction," he said.
In addition to the visit to the CBF, Marcio released an official statement yesterday taking a stand against the injunction that prevented the start of construction in Gávea.
For Ibson, Fla goes all the way
Portuguese officials are not willing to loan him out, but the club refuses to give up
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
EFE
Ibson (R) goes to Portugal accompanied by businessman Eduardo Uram and his father, Laís, to try to find a way to release him to Flamengo
The end of the Ibson case may not be as simple as previously thought. Despite the player's desire to return to Flamengo, Porto, while accepting the idea of loaning him out, is unwilling to release him to Brazilian football. This is due to the Portuguese club's fear that a return to Brazil would hinder the midfielder's readaptation to European football.
To try to secure his release, Ibson, his father, Laís, and his agent, Eduardo Uram, will meet with Porto officials next Wednesday. The problem with his transfer to Flamengo is that Porto still relies on the player. Although the Portuguese club's coach doesn't intend to use him in the first team, Porto still intends to use him in the future and, therefore, wants Ibson to continue playing for European clubs. Further proof of this is that, in order to release him on loan, he was required to renew his contract for another two years, that is, until 2011.
"We are at Alemão's (Palmeiras player) funeral and tonight we will travel to Portugal. Tomorrow (today), Eduardo Uram should also travel and on Wednesday (tomorrow) we should meet with Porto's directors to try to make Ibson's wish to play for Flamengo prevail," revealed Laís, the player's father.
Despite the attempt, it will not be easy to convince the Portuguese leaders, who asked for the player's return to Portugal, as there is interest from several European clubs in the former red-black revelation.
Flamengo's board, despite knowing the complications, remains optimistic. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite is aware that the case should be resolved by Friday at the latest and made it clear that all that remains is to wait for the Portuguese club's decision with the player and his agent.
"Ibson's case should be resolved by the end of this week, whether it's positive or not for Flamengo," said the director, who also commented on the possible transfer of midfielder Paulinho.
"There have only been inquiries so far and as I don't work with inquiries, for now, he should stay at the club."
Fla plays at João Havelange in Minas Gerais
The city of Uberlândia, which will host Flamengo's next Brazilian Championship match on July 19th against Paraná, is already celebrating. Yesterday, JORNAL DOS SPORTS interviewed Alberto Martins da Costa, director of Futel, the company that manages the João Havelange Municipal Stadium, popularly known as Parque do Sabiá. The pitch measures 110 x 75 and has a capacity of 55.700.
"I can guarantee that the pitch is one of the best in Brazil, and not only the city, but the entire region is mobilized for this game. So far, approximately 15 tickets have been sold, but some seats are no longer available. It's going to be a huge celebration, as the stadium will celebrate its 25th anniversary," said Alberto Martins.
Sabiá Park was inaugurated with the Brazilian national team's 7-0 victory over Ireland on May 27, 1982, as the players bid farewell before heading to the World Cup in Spain. Flamengo even played once at Sabiá Park in 1997, losing 1-0 to Vélez Sársfield in the now-defunct Super Copa Sudamericana. The futel director also explained the stadium's structure.
"Sabiá Park is undergoing renovations to adapt to the fan's statute," explained the director, referring to the stadium's former capacity, which could hold 75 people.
Goalkeeper Diego receives praise
Goalkeeper Diego's good form is earning him praise from some of his teammates. Defender Irineu was among those who praised the new number 1's responsibility in securing two points away from home against Atlético-MG and São Paulo.
"Diego is doing very well, he was crucial in both matches and gave us confidence. He's an excellent goalkeeper and is in a position to take over if Bruno doesn't stay," said the defender.
Irineu, in fact, was one of the players coveted by foreign clubs, and he could even leave Gávea in the coming days. However, he denied that he was leaving Flamengo at this time and said he intends to remain at Gávea at least until the end of the year.
"I don't know anything about what they're saying about my transfer. I have a contract until December and I want to see it out," explained the player, whose federation rights are tied to Cruzeiro.
Kleber Leite admits Renato's imminent departure
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, stated on Monday that negotiations between midfielder Renato and an Arab club are practically sealed. The director received the bad news from the athlete's agent, Claudio Guatagno.
"The possibility of leaving is very high. Cláudio is very transparent and he made it clear to me that his departure for Arab football is practically decided," said Kleber Leite, resigned.
Renato's destination is expected to be Al-Nasr, in Saudi Arabia.
Fla finds residents' action against the expansion of the Gávea stadium strange
After learning of the injunction granted by Judge Maria Paula Gouvêa Galhardo, of the 4th Public Finance Court of Rio, making the expansion of the Gávea stadium unfeasible, Flmanego released an official statement showing complete dismay at the action taken by the Leblon residents' association and listed the benefits that the project will bring to the region.
Sergio Du Bocage
Here's What You Wanted
Bank transfer
Sergio du Bocage bocage@jsports.com.br
When you receive a check and deposit it into your account, it's immediately debited from the issuer's account, but it doesn't appear in your balance until at least two days later. This is how the transfer market works for Brazilian players coming and going from abroad. When a club sells one of the few good players we have, they leave immediately, sometimes even stopping playing beforehand (like Bruno, from Flamengo). But when they sign a player, they can't use him until August.
It's really unfair. The teams are already weak and still have to pay for this transfer window that seems to be mirrored: you only see it from one side. And, as a result, we have increasingly less attractive matches in this Brazilian Championship. And with the exception of Botafogo, now bombarded by this news of Dodô's doping, everyone is in a mess.
Consider Flamengo: they drew two away games (which were still good results), have two games in hand, and have the same record as Vasco, Figueirense, and Fluminense—of course, if they win the remaining two games. But the important thing is that, even without playing, the team hasn't dropped in the table and is still close to many others. Tricolor is in 9th place! In other words, everything is balanced at the bottom.
O Dia
Flamengo: Márcio seeks support from the CBF
Even though he was prevented from building a stadium in Gávea, the official presented the project to Ricardo Teixeira.
Rio - Despite the injunction prohibiting Flamengo from building a new stadium in Gávea, club president Márcio Braga went to the CBF yesterday to present the project to the organization's president, Ricardo Teixeira. Opponents of the Flamengo official claim that the "rigmarole" is nothing more than a ploy designed to hide the team's poor form in the Brazilian Championship, misleading fans.
Flamengo is prevented from starting construction work due to an injunction granted by Judge Maria Paula Gouvêa Galhardo, of the 4th Public Finance Court of Rio.
The dispute could take on political overtones outside Gávea. Former Governor Rosinha Garotinho authorized the stadium's construction, but a dissenting opinion is currently pending in the State Attorney General's Office, which could serve as a basis for Governor Sérgio Cabral Filho to suspend the authorization.
While the club's bosses are launching a trial balloon to hide the crisis in football, supporter Paulinho is already packing his bags for a move to Israel. The player is transferring to Maccabi Haifa, much to the dismay of coach Ney Franco.
The coach is asking the board to make an effort to keep the red-and-black defensive watchdog, but the task isn't easy. In Israel, Paulinho will earn twice what he earns at Flamengo. And the Gávea club will receive only R$480 for the transfer.
Yesterday, Flamengo was expecting an official statement on Renato's departure, but it was a holiday in São Paulo, and the player's agent's office was closed. The midfielder's move to Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates is expected at any moment. Renato has already arranged everything with his Arab emissary, Abdullah Khalifa.
Sports Gazette
Juan returns against Paraná. Obina may be included.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Left-back Juan, who was suspended last weekend, is certain to return to the Flamengo lineup against Paraná. He returns in place of Egídio. Right-back Leonardo Moura will take advantage of the absence to recover from a muscle injury. Striker Obina, who has been recovering after surgery on his right knee, is expected to be included in the squad for the match. The Flamengo fan favorite has already been participating in training sessions and could be included on the bench by coach Ney Franco.
Flamengo's attention is also focused on goalkeeper Diego. Chosen to replace Bruno, who was embroiled in the dispute with MSI and Flamengo's board, Diego performed well against Atlético-MG and São Paulo.
"Diego was crucial for us in these two games. He inspires a lot of confidence and is fully capable of starting if necessary," said defender Irineu.
Off the field, Flamengo's board agreed to loan left-back André to Fortaleza, where he will play in the Brazilian Championship's Série B. André wasn't in coach Ney Franco's plans and has been left even more vulnerable since Egídio returned to the club to fill in for Juan.
While shedding some players, Flamengo hopes to finally finalize the signing of midfielder Ibson this week. The player will head to Portugal to meet with the Porto-POR executives, who are expected to loan him to the Rio de Janeiro club.
Irineu rules out leaving Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Amidst the numerous speculations that have taken over Flamengo in recent days, one of them pointed to the possible departure of defender Irineu. With his federation rights tied to Cruzeiro, but on loan to the Rubro-Negro until the end of December, Irineu is reportedly in the plans of a European club, a claim the defender rejects. "What they're saying isn't true. My agent hasn't spoken to me, and this news only reached me through the press. My transfer belongs to Cruzeiro, and only they have received anything. My thoughts are on Flamengo and helping the team overcome this situation. I have a contract until the end of the year and I hope to fulfill it, as I have the confidence of the coaching staff and the board here."
Besides being a starter for Flamengo, Irineu also revealed another reason he's not considering a return to European football, where he previously played in Portugal. "I've played there before, but I'm not thinking about going back there now, because my wife is pregnant and I want to stay at Flamengo until the end of the year."
Despite his willingness to help Flamengo, Irineu will not be able to play with the team on the 19th, when the team faces Paraná in Uberlândia. Like his teammate Ronaldo Angelim, he received his third yellow card against São Paulo and will have to serve a suspension. Substitutes will only be determined during training sessions in the coming days.
Pelénet
CBF President praises Flamengo's stadium project
Although Flamengo's stadium project in Gávea is unlikely to come to fruition, it has been praised by the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ricardo Teixeira. On Monday, the president of the Rio de Janeiro club, Márcio Braga, visited the organization's headquarters to present the project to the director, who has proven himself a political ally of the Flamengo fans in their fight for the construction of the arena.
"Flamengo having a stadium in Gávea is very important not only for the club, but also for Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian football. It's a project that has everything to do with Flamengo and will be beneficial for Rio. Flamengo and its fans deserve this achievement," commented Ricardo Teixeira, who also welcomed Dean Bonham, president of the group of the same name hired by Flamengo to provide consulting services for the project.
"The club will not lose any of its assets with the construction of the stadium. We have to hope that this idea comes to fruition," continued Ricardo Teixeira.
However, Flamengo is prevented from pursuing its dream of building a stadium with a capacity of approximately 25 people in Gávea. This is due to an injunction granted by Judge Maria Paula Gouvêa Galhardo of the 4th Public Finance Court of Rio.
The measure indicates that the club's headquarters, located on state-owned land, would lose its purpose with the construction of a shopping mall with 212 stores and 12 cinemas, which is planned in the project.
In addition to this injunction, a report opposing the project is also being processed by the State Attorney General's Office, which could guide Governor Sergio Cabral Filho to suspend the authorization for construction, given by former governor Rosinha Garotinho.
During Monday's meeting—which lasted about two hours and also included Flamengo's vice president, Delair Dumbrosck, vice president of football, Kleber Leite, president of the Deliberative Council, Walter D'Agostino, and president of the General Assembly, Sergio Veiga Brito—Marcio Braga explained that Flamengo will not use any space other than its existing one in Gávea. The project, which includes the construction of the stadium and the renovation of the headquarters, is budgeted at R$175 million.
"This project is the solution to Flamengo's problems. It's the realization of a dream that began in 1932. With fiscal realignment and our sports module, the club will solve all its problems," said Márcio Braga.
This Monday, the club released an official statement protesting the measures that have been taken to prevent Flamengo from building a stadium in Gávea.
Flamengo full-back Michel replaces Átila, who was cut from the Pan American Games
One day after announcing the cut of defender Átila from the under-17 team, which will represent Brazil at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, coach Lucho Nizzo called up defender Michel, from Flamengo, this Monday.
According to the CBF, the player is still dependent on the accreditation process for the Pan American Games, which officially opens this Friday (13), but should report to the national team this Monday.
Corinthians defender Átila was cut from the national team this Sunday, after an MRI scan detected a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, suffered during training the previous day.
The delegation's midfielder, William Yousef, stated that the 17-year-old athlete will have to undergo surgery, with no date yet set.
This is the third athlete cut from the men's Pan American Games squad due to injury. Bernardo and Carlos had already left the team due to injuries during training. There was also a fourth cut: defender Michel Schmoller, who was accused of being a "cat"—having a fake age.
BalloonSport
CBF President approves stadium in Gávea
The red-and-black delegation presents the project and leaves satisfied with the result
Flamengo's board presents a sketch of the model for the new Gávea stadium. While the team struggles in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo's board continues working behind the scenes to get the Gávea revitalization project off the ground. This Monday, the Flamengo delegation, led by president Márcio Braga, visited the CBF headquarters to present the idea to Ricardo Teixeira.
American Dean Bonham, president of the group that advises the business, was also present. The meeting lasted about two hours and left everyone satisfied.
"We have the CBF's approval. We'll build a stadium, not a shopping mall! Gávea is our home, and we want to renovate our stadium to host small and medium-sized games," he declares.
The new Gávea stadium will have approximately 22 seats and will meet all FIFA requirements. It will also feature modern gymnasiums and an entertainment complex. Despite the optimism, the project still has no start date.
First, the board must overturn a court injunction preventing the stadium's construction on the site. The next steps will be approval by the club's Board of Directors and the bidding process for the construction. After these steps, the dream can finally come to fruition.
Fla and Greek club compete for Ibson
Olympiacos is the contender. But, behind the scenes, Rubro-negro considers the signing a certainty\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Ibson will not continue at Porto next season. Fla is the preferred destination.
Ibson is in Portugal to decide his future. When he sits down with Porto's executives, he will receive two concrete proposals, with the figures clearly explained: one from Flamengo and the other from Olympiacos.
The club's board is well aware of the Greek competition. However, behind the scenes, there's widespread optimism. The expectation is to offset Renato's departure with the arrival of Ibson.
"While on the one hand (Renato) I'm discouraged, on the other I'm confident. We'll have a resolution by the end of this week," says Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Olympiacos isn't the first Greek club to show interest in the midfielder. Panathinaikos also approached Porto. But the signing of Marcelo Mattos, formerly of Corinthians, caused interest in Ibson to fade.
Rise and fall in Portugal
At 23, the player is a product of Flamengo's youth academy. He was one of the team's standout players in the 2004 season and ended up being traded to the Dragons at the beginning of the following year. In Portugal, he excelled upon his arrival. However, in the last Portuguese Championship, he suffered from injuries and the harassment of coach Jesualdo Ferreira and barely played.
Ibson Case: Kléber is excited
Vice President of Football expects to decide on the midfielder's signing by the end of the week
Ibson is Flamengo's target. And Kléber Leite is excited.
Ibson flew to Portugal on Monday night to decide his future. And there are those eagerly awaiting a call from him to Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
The midfielder's return has been a long-standing interest. But the certainty that he won't stay at Porto and the conversations he had with Ibson's agent, Eduardo Uram, have left Kléber optimistic.
"If I'm discouraged about Renato, I feel the opposite about Ibson. I'm excited, and we'll have a positive or negative answer by the end of this week," the director declared.
TODAY'S AGENDA: Full-time training
Flamengo returns to training in Rio after a period in Belo Horizonte
After ten days, Flamengo returns to Gávea, and this time for a doubleheader. This Tuesday, the team will train full-time. There will be a physical training session at 8:30 a.m., and at 15:30 p.m., coach Ney Franco will lead a tactical session.
Holiday delays response about Renato
The player's agent is off this Monday. Flamengo is waiting for Eduardo Peixoto.
Renato's situation at Flamengo still unresolved. Flamengo expected an official statement on Renato's departure this Monday. But the 1932 Constitutionalist Revolution holiday in São Paulo disrupted those plans.
The player's agent's office is in São Paulo and didn't open. So Cláudio Guadagno decided to take some time off.
Despite the postponement, Renato's departure for Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates is expected to be finalized this week. Two weeks ago, Cláudio Guadagno met with the Arab club's emissary, Abdullah Khalifa, and finalized the details of the negotiation.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, considers it almost impossible for Renato to stay.
"The possibility of him leaving is very high. Cláudio is very transparent and in the last contact he made it clear to me that his departure for Arab football is practically a done deal. I'm discouraged," he says.
Irineu rules out leaving Flamengo
The defender's intention is to stay at Gávea until the end of 2007, at least.
Flamengo defender Irineu has denied he's leaving the club. He says there's been no official offer, and even if there were, he plans to stay with the club until at least the end of 2007.
"What they're saying about the transfer isn't true. I don't know anything about it. My agent didn't mention it to me, and I only found out through the press. My thoughts are on Flamengo and helping the team get out of this situation. I have a contract until the end of the year and I hope to fulfill it, as I have the support of the coaching staff and the board here," Irineu said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
On loan from Cruzeiro, the player has performed well in the last two games and has been pleasing coach Ney Franco. Not even the prospect of returning to European football—he played for Sporting Braga—excites Irineu.
"I've played there before, but I'm not thinking about going back right now because my wife is pregnant. I want to stay at Flamengo until the end of the year," he added.
Negative sequence doesn't bother Ney
Coach bets on the team's recovery and praises their attitude in the last two games
Even with Flamengo's lack of victories, Ney Franco is calm. With the 0-0 draw with São Paulo on Saturday, Flamengo reached its sixth game without a win (five draws and one loss). Since Ney Franco's arrival in May 2006, this is the longest winless streak for the Rubro-Negro.
In 2006, Flamengo went four games without reaching three points in the Brazilian Championship. The streak began in August, with a draw with São Caetano (2-2) and ended in September with a victory over Botafogo (2-0). The Rubro-Negro also drew with São Paulo (1-1) and lost to Juventude (1-0) and Internacional (2-1).
But Ney Franco isn't worried about this negative streak. According to the coach, the team has improved in the last two games and has everything it needs to improve in the competition.
"I think the Brazilian Championship is a tough competition. We haven't played in two rounds, which is why we're behind some teams in the standings. But after this break, I think we played two good away games. The team played well, and if they maintain this approach, they can do well in the competition," he says.
However, Neymar wasn't pleased with the result against São Paulo. Although he considered a draw at the home of his opponent—one of the Brazilian league leaders—to be a good idea, the coach wanted a win to lift the club out of the relegation zone.
"Given the current situation, Flamengo has to go to their opponent's stadium and seek a positive result. Unfortunately, we came off a draw. If it were a normal game, it would be something to celebrate, but in the current situation, we left this game feeling like we could have won," he adds.
Throw
Paulinho did not receive an offer and remains at Fla
Kleber Leite says that the Israeli club only investigated the player\ LANCEPRESS!\
While Renato is packing his bags for the Middle East, the club's fans don't need to worry about losing any more players for now. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite assured that Israel had only approached Paulinho and that the midfielder will remain at the club.
"There's no proposal whatsoever. I don't do surveys, especially since Renato Augusto receives about 20 per month," he stated.
Bruno's situation should be regularized
Flamengo's goalkeeper could soon wear the number 1 jersey again. LANCEPRESS! Flamengo fans could soon receive some great news. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite guarantees that Bruno will be registered and will remain at Flamengo until the end of the year.
- Tomorrow the MSI will forward all the documents and Flamengo will register them with the CBF - he stated.
The goalkeeper missed the team's last two Brasileirão matches and watched Diego, his replacement, perform well against Atlético-MG and São Paulo.
The director also said that Ibson's potential signing will be finalized by the end of the week. Regarding Renato, the director stated that the player's destiny is likely to be Arab football.
Kleber Leite already admits that Renato must leave
Manager confirms that the possibility of the player leaving is very high
Renato is expected to stop in Saudi Arabia (Credit: André Brant)
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, is not confident that Renato will stay at Flamengo. The director said that, in the last conversation he had with the player's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, Renato's departure was almost confirmed.\
"The possibility of leaving is very high. Cláudio is very transparent and he made it clear to me that his departure is practically a done deal," he stated.
In the interview after the draw with São Paulo, Renato already spoke in a farewell tone and his likely destination is Al-Nasr of Saudi Arabia.
Michel, from Fla, is called up to the under-17s
The left-back will replace defender Átila, who was cut. LANCEPRESS! In addition to goalkeeper Marcelo and defender Lucas, Flamengo will have another representative on the Brazilian U-17 team, which will compete in the Pan-American Games. This is left-back Michel, who was called up by coach Lucho Nizzo to replace defender Átila, from Corinthians.
Átila, who was supposed to be the team captain, was ruled out last Sunday due to a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee. Michel is expected to report to the national team this Monday, but is still subject to the accreditation process.
Fla finds injunction against Gávea Stadium strange
The club also explains its interest in the Engenhão and Maracanã stadiums. LANCEPRESS! The injunction granted by Judge Maria Paula Gouvêa Galhardo of Rio's 4th Public Finance Court, preventing the start of construction on Flamengo's stadium in Gávea, surprised the club. The lawsuit was filed by a Leblon residents' association. President Marcio Braga released an official statement explaining the benefits the project would bring to the area.
Furthermore, the director also explained his interest in Engenhão and Maracanã, projects that he believes complement the Gávea stadium.