The Globe
The hot red-black screen
The club expects to receive R$2,5 million per month from FlaTV subscribers.
Márcio Tavares
Flamengo already has its own hot TV channel in 2008. And it's not the traditional Monday night Rede Globo program. It will be broadcast daily, online, and will bring the club, according to initial estimates, a monthly revenue of approximately R$2,5 million. It's FlaTV, which could be operational within two weeks. This estimate was made on the low end, which makes the board's forecasts for the club's football next year more than optimistic.
"Regularizing sponsorship payments won't make Flamengo's football team take off. It will ensure that salaries aren't delayed," explains Kleber Leite, vice president of football. "What will enable us to hire and invest in the team, but without delirium and madness, will be FlaTV, which should be going live in two weeks. Subscribers will have access to everything Flamengo has to offer online. I believe we'll have around 500 subscriptions initially. At AR$10 each, that's R$5 million. Flamengo will keep 75% of this amount, and football will keep 60%. Of this 60%, 10% will go to the players. Since computer sales in Brazil and worldwide are currently twice the rate of TV sales, does anyone doubt that we'll soon have a million subscribers?"
According to Kleber, FlaTV subscribers will have access to footage like a football Big Brother show. Subscribers will see, in addition to reports related to everything related to the club, footage of players in training camp, live collective training sessions, and the locker room before and immediately after games.
Marcio defends internal adjustment
Last night, President Márcio Braga met with representatives from the Bonham Group and AEG, Flamengo's partners in the bid to privatize Maracanã management, to conduct a preliminary cost assessment. Márcio is considering implementing an integrated program that would allow Maracanã management to be undertaken simultaneously with the revitalization of Gávea Stadium, including urgent renovations to the stadium and the construction of a new stadium with dimensions ideal for small-scale matches.
"We're still waiting for the bidding process," says Márcio. "I want to accelerate the execution of our plans, which have three main points for 2008: one, our sports home, the Maracanã; two, our social and sports center, Gávea; and three, the training center in Vargem Grande. I also want to establish the business partnership that will manage Flamengo's soccer team. Our internal adjustments must be significant to reduce operating costs. For example: this year, the goal was to raise R$18 million from player sales, and we only reached R$6 million," says Márcio.
One less problem: Cristian can play
Fla increases the number of tickets for the match against Atlético-PR to 82.044
Photo caption: IN GÁVEA AND at Maracanã, fans face long lines in search of tickets for the game against Atlético-PR
Having just surpassed the box office record for the match against Santos the day before yesterday, with the addition of 50 more tickets for the match against Atlético-PR on the 25th, Flamengo has surpassed itself again. The Rio de Janeiro Federation provided 150 more seats in its stands at the Maracanã, increasing the number of tickets sold to 82.044. By late yesterday afternoon, 17.412 tickets had been sold. Today, due to a holiday, sales are suspended. Tickets for the white stands are sold out. Tickets for the green and yellow stands will begin to be exchanged for 400g cans of Neston on Monday. Special and regular seats will go on sale again at 11:XNUMX am tomorrow.
Yesterday, another obstacle was overcome. Midfielder Cristian, signed on loan from Atlético-PR, was released by the Paraná club to play for Flamengo. The day before, coach Ney Franco, who renewed his contract with Furacão, had already stated that he had no objections to his selection. All that was missing was Mário Celso Petraglia, president of Atlético-PR, to agree with the arguments of the Rio de Janeiro directors and the player himself, who almost saw a repeat of the previous season's situation, when he was unable to face his former club. For him to play, Flamengo would have to pay R$100 in compensation. To keep him, the amount is slightly higher: the equivalent in reais to US$500.
The curious thing is that Clayton, involved in the loan swap with Cristian, can play normally because his loan was permanent.
"We spoke with President Petraglia, Cristian also appealed, and the matter appears to be resolved. And at no cost to us," announced Kleber Leite, vice president of football, who also revealed that defender Fábio Luciano had renewed his contract until the end of 2008, with the option to extend it for another year.
With Cristian's release, coach Joel Santana's problems are limited to choosing a replacement for Toró, who was suspended due to a yellow card. There's a good chance the coach will field Renato Augusto in midfield and Maxi in attack, alongside Souza.
Joel won't start thinking about it until this morning, when the starters return to training at Ninho do Urubu. Yesterday, during another day of cardiology exams at a clinic in Rio's South Zone, the players were divided into two groups for the stress test and echocardiogram. The curious event was Obina's doing. Since he was late, the forward had to wait his turn and stayed in the clinic auditorium watching cartoons of Walt Disney characters. Fascinated, the Bahian was thrilled with the adventures of Donald Duck.
Among the players, the feeling of playing their final match of this Brazilian Championship at the Maracanã, with the fans cheering on, is one of relief. No one was quite accepting the idea of playing behind closed doors.
"I've played without fans before, and it's very different, very bad. Especially because our fans have been making a difference. Opponents really feel the weight of the fans at Maracanã, they feel the vibration and excitement they transmit to us," said left-back Juan.
Ancelmo Gois Column
JUNIOR, HERO of Flamengo, performs at Nuno Neto's show, at Carioca da Gema, where he received a standing ovation when he sang "Samba rubro-negro", by Wilson Batista.
Sports Journal
Another record to be broken
For the game against Atlético-PR, the red-black nation buys 17.412 tickets in just one day
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
One day after the suspension of attendance for the match against Atlético-PR was confirmed, the response couldn't have been better. With tickets for Nestlé's promotion (32.730) only going on sale on the 19th, the red-and-black fans proved why they're the big sensation of this Brazilian Championship.
Yesterday, on the first day of sales after the suspension, 17.412 tickets were purchased, with the white grandstands selling out within hours. Since the green and yellow grandstands will only be sold on Monday, only the lower and special seats remain. Today, however, due to a holiday, the box office will not be open until tomorrow at 11:XNUMX am.
200 More Tickets\ In its quest to break the record for paying attendance achieved in the match against Santos, Flamengo received more good news from the Rio de Janeiro Federation. The 200 seats reserved for the organization's grandstand have also gone on sale. This brings the total number of tickets sold to over 81, reaching 82.044, securing the two best attendances in the Brazilian Championship.\
"It's good to know we can count on our other player, who has been helping us a lot. It's a huge joy to be able to play with the support of these fans. It would be a great gift for them to break this record and secure our place in the Copa Libertadores in this match," said right-back Leonardo Moura.
With such high demand, the club's management believes that all grandstand tickets will be sold out by Tuesday. Fans will be able to purchase tickets at the headquarters of Flamengo (Gávea), Fluminense (Laranjeiras), Botafogo (General Severiano), Caio Martins Stadium (Niterói), RioSampa concert hall (Nova Iguaçu), the Kappa store (Barra), and at ticket office 8 at Maracanã. Regular seats cost R$15 (R$7 half-price), special seats R$100 (R$50). Green and yellow grandstand seats will be exchanged for a 500g can of powdered milk.
The strength of the fans, which has been making Flamengo's games at Maracanã a differentiator, will once again be present and, in this game against Atlético-PR, there will be a special reason: it will be Flamengo's last in Rio this year.
Galinho presents solutions for the club
Taking advantage of the publication of the '112 years of glory' booklet in celebration of Flamengo's anniversary, the greatest idol and top scorer in the club's history, Zico, spoke of his expectations regarding the revitalization of Flamengo itself.
"I don't believe in an absolute, closed model that is right while others are wrong. However, at a club like Flamengo, I think it would be interesting to separate football from other sports, not so that the other sports would become more fragile, but so that football could find its feet financially.
This would prevent the club's social and Olympic sports activities from suffering the same consequences they have suffered over the last decade. Thus, in an autonomous model, we could perhaps see the club's football debts resolved in the medium term, while sports such as rowing, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and volleyball could seek independent funding initially or be partially financed by football later on.
What I see today is that football's problems have severely affected the social club and its sports, which have been left unable to seek sponsorships, as these were tied to football. However, Flamengo needs much more than autonomous management to regain the status its fans deserve. Political disputes and divisions based on diverse interests must give way to the professionalism of people who will have to deal with the consequences after leaving their positions at the club. Everyone suffers, adding to the problem, which is left for their successor. This mentality needs to change once and for all and embrace Flamengo as one of the greatest clubs in the world, which it is.
Sheriff renews until the end of 2008
Jair Motta
Defender Fábio Luciano renews with the club and continues to be the balance point of the defense
On the anniversary of the country's most popular club, the gift was given to the great red-and-black nation. The team's defensive sheriff, Fábio Luciano, who arrived mid-season and fixed up the defense, renewed his contract with Flamengo until December of next year.
The club's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, had already said that Rubro-Negro was interested in continuing with the athlete and last night revealed that the renewal had already been agreed.
"I have bad news for the other big clubs in the country and very good news for Flamengo. Fábio Luciano renewed his contract today (yesterday) for another year, and if at the end of 2008 he decides to extend his career, he will stay for another year," said Kleber Leite in an interview with the program "Tá na Área" on Sportv.
At 31, Fábio Luciano came through the ranks at Ponte Preta and had stints with Corinthians, Internacional, and Fernehbace in Turkey before signing with Flamengo. The defender has always been in favor of renewing his contract with the club, and since he owns his own transfer rights, he spoke directly with the club's executives.
Cristian\ Flamengo's board is doing everything it can to get midfielder Cristian to play in the game against Atlético-PR, on the 25th, at Maracanã, in the penultimate round of this year's Brazilian Championship.\
The club's directors will try to have the R$100 loan accrued at the end of the year. The Gávea club will have to pay this amount if Joel starts against Furacão.
The club intends to pay the full amount of midfielder Cristian's federation rights (approximately R$900) at the end of this year. The player is a key player in Joel's tactical scheme.
Ibson close to completing 100 games
Right-back Leonardo Moura undergoes tests at Hospital Gávea C'or alongside Maxi, Obina and full-back Juan
Midfielder Ibson, who underwent cardiology tests yesterday with an eye on next season, is close to completing 100 appearances for Flamengo. The player has played 97 matches for the club, and since he only has two more games this year, he can only reach this milestone next year, likely in the Carioca Championship.
"It will be 99 matches if I play both games. That's bad because we'll be out of action for a while after that, but on the other hand, I'll start the year with that mark," said the player, who good-naturedly joked about a possible friendly against São Paulo for the trophy. "Complete 100 matches in this game? I wonder if they'd agree to score? I wonder if they would?" the player joked.
Regarding the Brazilian Championship break, the number 7 decided to stay on the fence and commented on both sides of the coin. "For us players, it would be better if the game was tomorrow, so we could quickly decide our classification, but there are also positive aspects, as it allows us to rest, enjoy our family and other things that I can't do when I play on Wednesday and Sunday," the player commented.
The last player to take the tests yesterday at the Gávea'Cor clinic, Obina joked with the reporters present, explaining that it wasn't right for him to be the last player in the squad to take the tests. "It's in alphabetical order, right? But my name is Manoel, and I'm behind Maxi! They stole my spot and put me in by nickname," Obina joked. Léo Moura and Juan also took tests there.
Flamengo runs over Sendas and advances in the OPG
Flamengo defeated Sendas 5-2 on Wednesday morning in Gávea, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Junior Tournament (OPG). The red-and-black goals were scored by Bruno Mezenga, Rodrigo Andrade (2), Erik Flores and Anderson. In the first leg, on the opponent's field, Flamengo won 3-0.
Mengo's opponent in the semifinals will be the winner of Wednesday afternoon's game between Botafogo and Cabofriense at Caio Martins Stadium. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Brazilian Women's Polo Championship: Flamengo debuts next Friday
Flamengo's women's team will make its debut in the Brazilian Absolute Water Polo Championship, which will be held alongside the men's team, in São Paulo, between November 15th and 18th.
The red-and-black team, led by coach Antonio Canetti, will face Paineiras do Morumby as their first opponent. The match will be on November 16th at 10:17 am. At XNUMX:XNUMX pm, Flamengo will face Pinheiros, one of the favorites for the title.
Flamengo believes it has a chance of becoming champion after a 16-year trophy drought. Players such as Ilana Pinheiro, Manuela Canetti (reserve goalkeeper at the 2007 Rio Pan American Games), Manuela Garcia, Carolina Mello, and Yasmin Carvalho will be representing Flamengo.
The Brazilian Women's Water Polo table:
15/11 – Thursday\ Pinheiros x Paineiras, at 17 pm\
16/11 – Friday\ Paineiras x Flamengo, at 10 am\ Flamengo x Pinheiros, at 17 pm\
17/11 – Saturday\ 3rd x 2nd, at 9am\ 1st x 3rd, at 15:30pm\
18/11 – Sunday (final)\ 1st x 2nd, at 10:20 am\
Flamengo begins fight for the title in the Brazilian Junior Championship
Flamengo will compete in the Brazilian Junior Synchronized Swimming Championships from November 15th to 17th. The competition, which will be held at the Corinthians pool in São Paulo, will feature eight national clubs and approximately 50 athletes from the category, divided into levels A and B. Solos, duets, teams, and free routine combined (combo) events will be presented to the public.
In addition to Rubro-Negro, teams such as the Federal Technological University of Paraná, Jaraguá Country Club/MG, Tijuca Tênis, Clube do Remo/PA, Corinthians, Fluminense and Mesc/SP (Social and Catholic Expansion Movement) will be fighting for the title of Brazilian champion in the category.
The competitions will begin at 9:15 am on the 15th (Thursday), with the figures events (levels A and B) and, at 30:9 pm, with the solo performances (levels A and B). On Friday, at 30:11 am, the free routine events (levels A and B) will be held for teams. At 16:18 am, the technical routine for teams (levels A and B) will be held; at XNUMX:XNUMX pm, the free routine for duets (levels A and B) will be held; and at XNUMX:XNUMX pm, the technical routine for duets (levels A and B). On Saturday, the last day of competition, the athletes will perform in the combo events (levels A, B and beginners).
Check out the list of athletes who will be representing Flamengo in the Brazilian Junior Synchronized Swimming Championship:
Giovanna Stephan\ Lorena Molinos\ Maria Eduarda Wolf\ Maria Eduarda Werneck\ Marcela Pereira\ Joseane Martins\ Camila Ururahy\ Aline Barbosa\ Jessica Noutel\
Maria Helena Braun
By Letter
112 years of passion
Maria Helena Braun mbraun@jsports.com.br
I swear I was almost sorry. I could already see this unusual event attracting the attention of the world's press. A major event, Flamengo fans filling the Maracanã stadium, but only in the outer ring, that is, outside the stadium. Can you imagine eighty-odd thousand people shouting, singing, and cheering for the team, who would be inside an empty Maracanã, facing Atlético Paranaense?
Inside, the players would hear the echoes of the fans, who would follow everything on a giant screen. It would be one of those events that will go down in football history. When I read in the newspapers that the club had obtained a suspension and could play with open gates, I was truly frustrated. If there are things that only happen to Botafogo, there are many others that only happen to Flamengo fans. Forgive me, the faithful Corinthians fans, the Grêmio wave, the euphoria of the Atlético Mineiro fans, or the fanaticism of the Vasco fans, but Flamengo fans do have something extra. And it hasn't been the twelfth player, but a player who enters the field, plays the full 90 minutes, and inspires emotions.
Or does anyone doubt that the crowd chanting their name, filling a stadium, and throwing an incomparable celebration stirs an athlete's pride? The responsibility grows. The player makes a kind of intimate vow to reciprocate the fans' affection no matter what. And so it has been.
It's enough to move even the most skeptical of rivals. It's a unanimous recognition among players, coaches, and the press. And since the gates are open, thanks to a court ruling, the red-and-black crowd will put on another show on the 25th, a show that was promised, another attendance record. And it would be a show even behind closed doors. Today, Flamengo turns 112. More than a century in which the fan base has only grown. The sounds of the Charanga's drums have been joined by the chants of the Victory Theme, the arm choreographies that flood the stands. And despite the times of meager victories and relegation threats, we wonder: when will the Flamengo fan base stop growing? Judging by the DNA inheritance, the answer is never. It passes from father to son, from son to grandson, from grandson to great-grandson, and it's one of those eternal loves one has in life.
O Dia
Red-black fans do their part
Attendance record will be broken: tickets sold yesterday and those in the promotion reached 50.142. The total attendance is 82.044, 200 more than against Santos
Janir Junior
Rio - Flamengo celebrates its 112th anniversary today. As a gift, the club received yet another token of love from its fans, ready to break a new attendance record in the match against Atlético-PR on the 25th at Maracanã.
Yesterday, inspired by the lyrics of the red-and-black victory theme—which says "wherever I am, I will be"—students left class early, lawyers in suits braved intense heat and hunger, a couple cycled miles, and men and women endured hours in line and some inconvenience. All to get tickets for the match that could decide the team's place in the Copa Libertadores.
In just six hours, 13.412 tickets were sold yesterday, in addition to the 4 previously sold, for a total of 17.412. Added to the 32.730 from the promotion, the total is now 50.142. The 11.051 seats in the white stands are sold out. The attendance record against Santos (81.844 paying) will be broken against Atlético-PR, as the Federation provided 200 Grandstand tickets for sale. The total will be 82.044. Today, a holiday, there will be no special or blue seats for sale.
Yesterday, in the early hours of the morning, long lines formed at Maracanã Stadium, General Severiano Stadium, Laranjeiras Stadium, and Gávea Stadium. At the latter two venues, ticket offices opened an hour late. In most places, only one booth was open, but the atmosphere was calm.
Eduardo Serpes, 20, put his girlfriend Luíza Bueno, 19, on his bike and pedaled for miles to Maracanã stadium. "We'll go wherever we go, for Flamengo," said Eduardo.
Siblings Bruna and Lucas Baldez received an award for their excellent students. Having already passed the Physics exam, they quickly took the test at Colégio Princesa Isabel and rushed to the General Severiano line. "We were anxious, but we finished quickly and left early. After all, we had already passed," Bruna emphasized.
Thiago Alevato and Rodrigo Ribeiro braved the heat and hunger to secure their seats. Lawyers dressed in suits took advantage of their lunch break to head to Maracanã. "We're running, without lunch. Everything for Flamengo," emphasized Thiago, who immediately embraced student Felipe Candol. United by a single passion, they had only one cry: "I will always love you, wherever you are, I will be, oh, my Mengo."
SUPERTISION AND TATTOOS: ANYTHING GOES FOR MENGÃO
The strategy was the same as when buying tickets for the Santos game: be first in line at the Gávea ticket office. That's why Ronaldo Sales, who lives in Leblon, woke up a little early and arrived in Gávea at 9 a.m., two and a half hours before ticket sales began. Bruno Santos, second in line and a resident of Méier, had more work to do, but repeated the gesture for the same reason: to keep his luck high. "Rubro-negro is also superstitious. If it worked once, we have to repeat it until the end of the championship," said Ronaldo.
In line at the Maracanã stadium, love was etched on her body. Andréa Felipe revealed what birthday present she asked her husband, Pereira, for. "He gave me a tattoo that cost R$200," she celebrated, revealing that Obina saw and approved the image.
But scalpers were already operating openly. With long lines, some of them were offering white grandstand tickets. The price of R$25 jumped to R$35. And no one was arrested.
Greens and yellows on Monday
The 32.730 tickets for the green and yellow stands, which must be exchanged for a 400g can of Neston, will only be available on Monday. The fight for the promotional tickets promises to be tough. The following are the locations for exchanges: Sendas Supermarkets (Dias da Cruz, Largo do Machado, Ponte, and Leblon); Extra Supermarkets (Maracanã and Barra 24h); Mundial Supermarkets (Matoso and Freguesia, in Jacarepaguá); Carrefour Supermarket (Norte Shopping); Prezunic Supermarkets (Caxias and Campo Grande); Guanabara Supermarket (Vila Isabel).
Flamengo: To the fans with affection
Léo Moura thanks the 'nation': "It is responsible for 50% of our victories"
Rio - While undergoing cardiac exams, full-back Leonardo Moura felt his heart beat faster when commenting on the STJD's decision, which revoked the decision to bar fans from the game against Atlético-PR on the 25th. Yesterday, it was time for the players to swap places with the fans and thank them for all the support they received.
"When the team wins, the fans are 50% responsible for the result; the rest is the work of the team on the field. The fans have been with us through the worst moments, and if we have any chance of even dreaming of finishing second in the championship, it's thanks to their support," he says gratefully.
A packed Maracanã stirs every Flamengo fan's heart. But Íbson was "on a high": he envisioned a "red-and-black sea" surrounding the stadium if the STJD's ban on spectators were upheld. "It would be a beautiful thing, one that would go down in history. The city would come to a standstill. It would be incredible: us inside playing and the crowd cheering outside," imagines Íbson.
FABIO LUCIANO RENEWS
Flamengo renewed Fábio Luciano's contract yesterday, leaving him to stay at Gávea for another season, with the option to continue in 2009. "If Fábio ends his career, his contract will last until the end of 2008. If he decides to play in 2009, he will also stay at Flamengo," said vice-president of football Kleber Leite.
Sports Gazette
To avoid harassment, Flamengo renews with Fábio Luciano\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's board announced on Wednesday afternoon the contract renewal of defender Fábio Luciano, who was with the club until December of this year. The information was released by the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite. The director, however, said that the length of the new contract has not yet been determined. "This is sad news for the competitors who harassed Fábio Luciano. He renewed his contract with Flamengo today (Wednesday) and the only reason he hasn't signed is because he hasn't yet decided whether he will play for another year or two at Flamengo. But this issue doesn't prevent the deal from being confirmed, as he will play for our team in the 2008 season," Kléber Leite stated.
The director ironically addressed the defender's possible harassment from other Brazilian clubs. "Gisele Bündchen gets harassed a lot, and it's normal for that to happen. Fábio Luciano is the Gisele Bündchen of defense in Brazil, and that's why he was harassed," the vice president of football stated.
Kléber Leite also explained that he won't discuss plans for potential reinforcements in the event of qualification for the Copa Libertadores. "We can't talk about the Libertadores yet, as we're going through a very dangerous period. We've created a lot of euphoria due to our strong campaign, and we must first secure our spot. We have a tough game in the next round against Atlético-PR, which has a great team, so we must be very careful," he concluded.
Joel begins to define Flamengo this Thursday\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - This Thursday morning, coach Joel Santana will lead the Flamengo team's first training session with the ball this week at the Vargem Grande training center. During the session, the coach will begin deciding who will replace midfielder Toró, who received his third yellow card and will serve a suspension. Midfielder Cristian, on loan from Atlético-PR, is expected to be on the field, as Atlético coach Ney Franco did not object to the player's starting lineup.
Confirmed for this game is Juan, who denied that he is going through a bad phase, and expressed confidence that he can be very useful to Flamengo in the two remaining matches in the Brazilian Championship.
"I'm fine and remain confident. I'll keep trying my chances. I've had one or two bad games, but against Santos I had a good performance, and the goal came from my side. I think playing one or two bad games is normal, but it doesn't mean I've gone through a bad run."
Juan acknowledges that Flamengo will likely face difficulties against Atlético-PR, as Ney Franco managed the Rio de Janeiro club until mid-year. "Ney knows our strengths and weaknesses. He'll certainly try to make our lives as difficult as possible, but now is the time to overcome them and get closer to the Copa Libertadores."
Off the field, Flamengo is preparing a series of festivities for this Thursday, the Rio de Janeiro club's 112th anniversary. Among the events will be a lively soccer match between Flamengo and Flamengo artists.
Flamengo celebrates open gates against Hurricane\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Relieved by the suspension that will allow Flamengo to face Atlético-PR on the 25th in front of their fans, the Flamengo players made no secret of their intention to see a packed Maracanã stadium again for the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. In the competition, the team has only lost two matches at the stadium, against Palmeiras and Fluminense. "We can only thank the Flamengo fans for everything they've done for us. We owe them a lot, they believed in us even when we were in the relegation zone. I hope that against Atlético-PR we can repay this affection once again," said defender Ronaldo Angelim, who returned to the team last weekend, when he helped the team beat Santos 1-0.
To break the attendance record, which already belongs to Flamengo itself (81.844 against Santos), the red-black board announced that the shipment, which began to be sold this Wednesday, will be 81.894 tickets.
"We're very happy with the support our fans have been giving us, and I hope they can break the Brazilian Championship attendance record once again. And I hope we can present our Libertadores spot to all of them, who helped us so much in the competition. Especially since it will be our last home game in the Brazilian Championship," said right-back Leonardo Moura.
Even though he's currently on the bench, striker Obina—a fan favorite—is eagerly awaiting the match against Furacão. "I can't imagine playing without the fans in the stadium. Because of everything the fans have done so far, we'll work even harder to achieve our goal of securing a spot in the Libertadores," said the striker.
Anyone who has experienced playing in a stadium behind closed doors also celebrates the Superior Court of Justice's (STJD) decision to grant Flamengo a suspension. "I've played without fans before, and it makes a huge difference, especially with our fans, who have been so supportive," said left-back Juan, who, along with other starters, underwent medical examinations on Wednesday morning.
PeléNEt
Flamengo increases ticket sales due to new attendance record\ From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Flamengo's board has received authorization from the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (Ferj) to put 200 more tickets on sale for the game against Atlético-PR, on the 25th, at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 37th and penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. This means the total number of tickets has increased from 81.844 to 82.044.\
If the red-and-black fans live up to expectations and fill the stadium, they will break their own record of 81.844 paying spectators, set in the 1-0 victory over Santos last Sunday.
Of all tickets, 32.730 are part of Nestlé's "Torcer Faz Bem" promotion. These tickets, however, will only go on sale starting next Monday, the 19th. Each 400g can of Neston is worth a green or yellow grandstand seat.
Flamengo renews defender Fábio Luciano's contract\ From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Flamengo renewed Fábio Luciano's contract this Wednesday. The defender will stay at Gávea for another season, with the option to continue in 2009. Vice president of football Kleber Leite believes the player could end his career at the club.\
"His renewal was agreed this Wednesday. Initially the contract is valid for one year. But everything depends on his will. If Fábio ends his career, the commitment will last until the end of 2008. If he decides to play in 2009, he will also stay at Flamengo," he said on the program Tá na Área, on Sportv.
Fábio Luciano was playing for Cologne in Germany when he transferred to Flamengo in the middle of this year. The defender and Flamengo captain was one of the key players in the team's rise in the Brazilian Championship.
During his time with Flamengo, Fábio Luciano scored two goals. The first came against Náutico (a 2-1 victory for Flamengo) at Maracanã, on his debut. The second came in a 1-0 victory over Paraná Clube in Curitiba.
Juan is thrilled that Flamengo will be able to count on fans against Atlético-PR\ From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\ The decision by the president of the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Rubens Approbato, to release ticket sales for the match between Flamengo and Atlético Paranaense, for the 37th round, on the 25th, at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, filled the players of the Rio de Janeiro club with confidence. Happy with the "reinforcement" of the fans, left-back Juan takes the opportunity to praise the importance of the 12th player of the Gávea team.\
"Playing with fans makes a huge difference, especially with ours, who have been so supportive. It's really important to have them on our side. It gives us all more confidence," emphasizes the player.
Questioned by some, who see his performance as well below that shown during the State Championship, Juan is quick to say that he is in ideal technical and physical conditions to produce good football against Furacão.
"I'm fine. I'm still very confident and calm. I'm going to try to work and do my best for Flamengo," said the full-back, considered one of the red-black team's strong points.
Due to a beer can and a firecracker thrown onto the Maracanã pitch during the 2-0 victory over Grêmio on October 21st, Flamengo was ordered, in the first instance, to play without fans against Atlético Paranaense. Flamengo's legal department, however, counterattacked with an injunction granted by the president of the Superior Court of Sports Justice.
Rio's greats will face each other in the semifinals of the OPG Tournament\ From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\ The semifinals of the Octavio Pinto Guimarães Junior Tournament were defined this Wednesday: Flamengo x Botafogo and Fluminense x Vasco.\ The Rubro-Negro advanced by defeating Sendas 5-2, in Gávea. Diguinho (2), Bruno Mezenga, Erick Flores and Anderson scored the goals for Flamengo. Rafael scored for the losers, who had been defeated in the first leg, 3-0, at their CT, in São João de Meriti.\
Botafogo defeated Cabofriense 2-1 at Caio Martins Stadium in Niterói. Alex and Júnior scored for the Alvinegro team. Vanderson scored for the team from the Lagos Region. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Cabo Frio.
Fluminense reached the semifinals by beating Volta Redonda 3-1 at the Xerém training center, with goals from Allan (2) and Sandro for Fluminense and Lucas for the visitors. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Steel City.
Vasco da Gama defeated Madureira 4-1 in Vasco-Barra, with goals from William (2), Igor, and Léo Mavioli. The Vasco da Gama team had won the first match 2-1 in Conselheiro Galvão.
All first-leg matches had been played last Saturday. The semifinals will be played in two-legged matches, as will the grand final.
BalloonSport
Fla will launch an internet TV channel\ With FlaTV, the board intends to raise R$2,5 million per month\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ The board is counting on Flamengo fans for the success of its online TV channel\ Flamengo is preparing to launch FlaTV in two weeks, an online channel that initially aims to attract 500 subscribers. If it achieves this goal, the club will earn approximately R$2,5 million per month.\
According to Kleber Leite, vice president of football for the club, in an interview published in the newspaper "O Globo" this Thursday, if the regularization of Petrobras' sponsorship quotas will ensure that salaries are no longer delayed, FlaTV will allow the club to hire and invest in the football team. However, the director insists that this will be done without any follies.
"Subscribers will have access to everything Flamengo has to offer online. I believe we'll have around 500 subscriptions initially. At ten reais each, that'll be five million reais. Flamengo gets 75 percent of this amount, and soccer gets 60 percent. Of that 60 percent, ten percent goes to the players. Since computer sales in Brazil and worldwide are currently twice as high as TV sales, does anyone doubt that we'll soon have a million subscribers?" asks Kleber.
According to the director, subscribers will receive reports on everything at the club, including images of players in training, live collective training sessions, and images of the locker room before and after games.
Flamengo renews with Fábio Luciano\ The sheriff's contract is for one year, with an option to extend it for another two years\ Eduardo Peixoto\ Flamengo didn't wait for the Brazilian Championship to end to guarantee the contract renewal of one of its key players. On Wednesday night, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, guaranteed the stay of defender Fábio Luciano for another year, with the option to extend for another season.\
"We agreed on the renewal today (Wednesday). Initially, the contract is for one year. But everything depends on his wishes. If he ends his career in a year, the contract will run until the end of 2008. If he decides to play in 2009, he will also play for Flamengo," the director said on the SporTV program "Tá na área" (watch the video).
At 32, Fábio Luciano was signed midway through this year and has shaped the Flamengo defense. Behind the scenes, he earned the nickname "sheriff" from his teammates. He has repeatedly stated his intention to extend his contract with Flamengo. And now, that idea has come to fruition.
Ibson hits the post in his 100th game\ The 24-year-old player has played 97 matches wearing the shirt of the club that revealed him\ Eduardo Peixoto\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Ibson always wears his inseparable cap\ Recently, Juan received a plaque and Obina a shirt for his hundredth game for Flamengo. Ibson was eager to know what his tribute would be. But the surprise will have to wait for next year.\
The 24-year-old has played 97 matches for the club that developed him. With only two rounds remaining in the Brazilian Championship, he's expected to finish the season with 99.
"It was close, wasn't it? It had to come out this year. But that's okay. At least I'll start 2008 with a party," he jokes.
Ibson was promoted to Flamengo's first team at the end of 2003. In 2004, he was a starter for the entire season. Named one of the revelations of the Brasileirão, he transferred to Porto at the beginning of the following year. In July of that year, he returned to Gávea and became one of the great symbols of the Rubro-Negro in the final push.
Flamengo fans buy 17.412 tickets\ White stands sell out for the match against Atlético-PR, on the 25th\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Flamengo fans buy tickets in Gávea for the match against Atlético-PR\ Flamengo fans responded to the board's efforts to let them attend the match against Atlético-PR. By the end of the afternoon this Wednesday, 17.412 tickets had been sold for the match on the 25th at Maracanã.\
Another 32 tickets (for the green and yellow stands) have already been sold to a food company. The exchange of a 500g can of Neston for a ticket begins next Monday, and all tickets in the promotion are expected to sell out by Tuesday.
There will be no ticket sales this Thursday due to the holiday. As the white bleachers are sold out, sales of lower and premium seats will resume on Friday at 11 a.m.
Neymar: 'Playing on concrete is demotivating'\ Coach disapproves of penalty that keeps fans away from the stadium and wants to take advantage of Flamengo's pressure\ Daniel Develly\
Atlético-PR Official Website
Ney Franco will face his former club. On Sunday, Ney Franco will return to Maracanã, where he will face a high-energy team and a crowd that once cheered him on. With the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) suspending the penalty initially imposed on Flamengo, everything indicates that the duel between the red-and-blacks will be a full house. For the Atlético-PR coach, the decision was correct.
"First of all, I believe that, regardless of this specific case, a new form of punishment for clubs should be created without taking away home-field advantage. I believe that, from this moment on, with this measure, this type of punishment will be abolished. If it were up to me, the game would be open to the fans," he explains.
Ney Franco has fond memories of a packed Maracanã stadium. Earlier this year, he won the state championship with the Gávea team and also played several Copa Libertadores matches at the World's Largest Stadium.
"Playing at Maracanã just for the concrete is very demotivating. It's easier to prepare athletes for a packed stadium, even if the opposing fans are the majority.
Ney is aware of the off-field difficulties of this Sunday's match, but he is not giving up.
"The Maracanã is a stadium that gives players security. I know the fans make a difference, and it's up to me, as a coach, to prepare my players and take advantage of them, not only technically and tactically, but also emotionally."
Leo Moura never tires of praising the fans\ The right-back recognizes that the participation of the red-blacks is fundamental to the team\
AGÊNCIA O GLOBO\ Leonardo Moura knows all too well the importance of Flamengo's fans. Considered an asset for Flamengo in its fight for a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores, the red-and-black fans are a source of pride for the club's players. And right-back Leonardo Moura never tires of thanking them for their presence and dedicating the team's victories to them.\
"It's always good to have our other player (fans) on board. This makes us even happier. They grow more with each game, and their participation is crucial," he says.
Flamengo is in third place with 58 points and faces Atlético-PR on the 25th at Maracanã. On Tuesday, the club secured a suspension order to play behind closed doors. Flamengo had been punished by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) for incidents in the match against Grêmio.
Flamengo guarantees Cristian's lineup\ Not even a R$100 toll to Atlético-PR discourages the red-black board\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Flamengo is expected to field Cristian in the match against Atlético-PR on Sunday. Cristian's contract obligates Flamengo to pay R$100 if he plays against Atlético-PR, his former club. However, anyone who thinks the board has given up on fielding the player on the 25th at Maracanã is mistaken.
The position is clear: Cristian plays, and then the Rio de Janeiro club will decide what to do with the "toll." The directors want to take advantage of their good relationship with the Paraná club and include the R$100 in the total amount they will have to pay for the midfielder's federation rights (around R$900) at the end of this year.
"He'll definitely play. I'm very optimistic because of the good relationship between the boards," says Flamengo's football director, Marcos Braz.
Cristian is distressed by the situation. He called Atlético-PR officials and asked to be released. He argued that it's one of the most important games of his life, and it would be unfair to miss it.
After turbulence, Fla celebrates 112 years in peace\ It has been a long time since the red-black club celebrated its anniversary in such a favorable atmosphere\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Flamengo fans are on their honeymoon with the team on its 112th anniversary. Flamengo is celebrating. Literally. This Thursday, the club celebrates its 112th anniversary in a condition not seen in a long time. Finances are on track, football results are satisfactory, and fans are very, very excited.
A very different situation from the one President Márcio Braga faced in the first year of his term, in 2004. The state title was merely a palliative for the financial asphyxiation and historic embarrassment for Santo André in the Copa do Brasil final.
Shame in 2004\ November 15th of that year was depressing. Flamengo had lost 6-1 to Atlético-MG and was in serious danger of being relegated to the Second Division. Coach at the time, Andrade was ashamed.\
"There was a game to celebrate the date at the training center, but I didn't even have the courage to play. I stayed under a tree watching. We had been hit by six, and it wouldn't have looked good if I had been on the field," he recalls.
The following year wasn't much different. The salary arrears were only forgotten in the final fightback in the Brazilian Championship. His birthday fell on the eve of a decisive match against Fortaleza. If they lost, Flamengo would have been very close to relegation to Serie B.
The situation began to clear up in 2006. With their spot in the Copa Libertadores secured thanks to their Copa do Brasil title, Flamengo and its fans experienced a listless and calm end to the year. Fans and players alike were calculating the season's finale.
Wherever you are, I'll be there\ This season was very different. The exciting rise in the Brazilian Championship has awakened the pride of being a red-and-black. Riding the wave of "wherever you are, I'll be there," the team has gone from an uncomfortable situation to becoming one of the competition's protagonists.\
This Thursday, on the same field where Andrade refused to play pickup games in 2004, the professional players will train, aiming for a spot in the Copa Libertadores and an even happier 2008.
"The next season will be one of transformation. A new Flamengo will emerge. With Timemania, new horizons will open up. We will transform football into a business, and we will have professional executives in charge of everything. I hope to be a Queen of England," says Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Throw
Fabio Luciano renews his contract with Fla for one year\ Despite having offers from other clubs, the defender and captain shows preference for the Gávea club\
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LANCEPRESS!
Pointed out as one of the main people responsible for Flamengo's comeback in the Brazilian Championship, defender Fabio Luciano renewed his commitment to Flamengo for another year, with the possibility of an extension for another year.
The defender arrived at Gávea in August of this year as an unknown quantity. After successful stints at Corinthians, where he won the Club World Cup in 2000, and Fenerbahçe, he suffered a serious pubic injury and was playing for the modest Köln in Germany.
In the opening games of the second half of the Brasileirão, Fabio Luciano proved himself to be an effective defender. While he no longer possessed the same speed and mobility as he did at Corinthians, he made up for it with his acquired experience. This experience elevated him to the position of team captain and one of coach Joel Santana's most trusted men.
The Flamengo captain's strong performances have caught the attention of other Brazilian clubs. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite announced that Flamengo will have reinforcements in 2008, but the current core will remain. After the captain's contract renewal, the priority will be midfielder Cristian.
"We'll have some reinforcements for 2008, but not many. Our concern is to maintain this core, just as we did with Fábio Luciano. We also prioritize keeping Cristian with us. I think if we achieve this, we'll have a good year."
Cristian can face Furacão, he just has to pay\ To have a supporter, Fla will have to pay R$ 100 thousand\
Flamengo and Atlético Paranaense face each other on the 25th, at Maracanã (Credit: Ivan Storti)
Tiago Pereira CURITIBA
If Flamengo wants to count on midfielder Cristian for the match against Atlético Paranaense on the 25th, at 18:10 p.m., at Maracanã, they simply need to pay Furacão, the owner of his federation rights. The contract signed by the boards of both clubs includes a clause that stipulates a payment of R$100 if the player faces his former club in any competition.
In the first round, the player did not participate in the 2-0 loss to Furacão, a match played at Kyocera Arena. See below an excerpt from the contract signed by the clubs and the player, as released by Atlético Paranaense:
1.4. This contract is signed on a onerous basis, with the ASSIGNEE (Flamengo) obliged to pay the ASSIGNOR (CAP) a financial consideration of R$100.000,00 (one hundred thousand reais), subject to the following:
a) the financial consideration will be due on the first business day immediately following the end date of this loan;
b) in the event that, during the entire term of this temporary assignment, the ATHLETE does not participate in any official match for the ASSIGNEE's team against the ASSIGNOR's team, in any championship and in any category, the ASSIGNEE will be entitled to a bonus of 100% (one hundred percent) on the financial consideration, being exempt from the price;
c) if, during the term of this temporary assignment, the ATHLETE participates in an official match for the ASSIGNEE's team against the ASSIGNOR's team, the due date for the financial consideration described in Clause 1.4., item "a" will be brought forward to the first business day following the official match in which the ATHLETE participated.
Assef: 'Damage would be irreparable'\ Flamengo's lawyer said the STJD's decision was correct\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, was thrilled with the Superior Court of Justice (STJD)'s decision to open the Maracanã stadium to spectators for the match against Atlético-PR on the 25th, the penultimate round of the Brasileirão. According to Assef, playing behind closed doors would be an incalculable loss for Flamengo.
radio l! - The president of the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) (Rubens Approbato) understood that it would indeed be a risky case, of irreparable damage to the club if this stay of execution were not granted. The fans will be able to be at the Maracanã and now they can only cheer," he stated.
Fans make new trophy out of polka dots\ Flamengo fans produce replica of the trophy as a demand for recognition of the fifth title\ LANCEPRESS!\
While the dispute between São Paulo and Flamengo for the CBF's trophy rages behind the scenes, the issue has already been resolved among the Flamengo fans. A group of fans built a replica of the trophy, which was even held by Flamengo players during their 1-0 victory over Santos last Sunday at the Maracanã.
Fan Marcelo Tijolo, creator of the cup alongside other friends, took the initiative to seek recognition for the red-black team's five-time Brazilian championship, which is not officially accepted by the CBF.
"This was an idea this group had for a movement in relation to the fifth title and the Maracanã. I think the stadium reflects Flamengo and the fifth title is ours," he stated.
The replica was given to Flamengo players after Santos' victory and was immediately targeted by fans, who wanted a souvenir of the trophy. The desire was so great that a new trophy had to be made—and its presence is already guaranteed against Atlético-PR, again at Maracanã, on the 25th.
Fla wants to break a new attendance record\ Load for the game against Atlético-PR will be 82.044 tickets\
Léo Moura wants to give a place in the Libertadores as a gift to the fans (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
The attendance of 81.844 paying spectators at last Sunday's match between Flamengo and Santos at the Maracanã, a record for the current Brazilian Championship and also since the competition began to be played on a points-based basis in 2003, encouraged the Flamengo board. For the match that could secure the team's spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores, against Atlético-PR, on the 25th, an additional 200 tickets will be put on sale, totaling 82.044, with the goal of breaking the attendance record again this season.
Leonardo Moura was happy with the board's decision and hopes the group can repay the fans for the support the players have been receiving from the stands.
"I hope the fans break the Brazilian Championship attendance record once again and that we can give our Libertadores spot as a gift to everyone who helped us so much in the competition. This will be our last home game. It's important to give back everything the fans have done for the team this year," the right-back told the club's official website.
Léo Moura highlighted Flamengo's turnaround in the competition, from being in the relegation zone at the start of the Brazilian Championship to fighting for a spot in the 2008 Libertadores.
"There was a lot of talk about just saving the team from relegation. The group showed strength and determination to overcome a difficult period and is now fighting for a place in the top four. I think those who criticized us should acknowledge our quality," he said.