THE GLOBE
Willians still awaits clearance to come to Rio \ One of Flamengo's only two reinforcements is pending authorization from Santo André \ When Flamengo's squad returns on January 7th, Douglas and Willians will likely be the only new faces on the team. However, one of them is still awaiting authorization from Santo André to report to the club. Under contract with the São Paulo club until 2011, midfielder Willians, although he has already finalized his contract with Flamengo, has not yet undergone a medical. \ The player is still awaiting negotiations between Flamengo and Santo André for his release. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite, however, assures that there will be no obstacles to the arrival of the reinforcement. Director of football Plínio Serpa Pinto has been leading the negotiations. \ Vice-president of finance leaves his position permanently \ According to the board's plan, Flamengo will start the State Championship with a starting lineup virtually identical to the one that ended the season. Of the eleven players Caio Júnior had selected in the final rounds of the Brazilian Championship, only Jaílton is no longer at the club. The board has already admitted that Sambueza is not in the plans. The player still has a contract with Flamengo until June. Flamengo is looking for a way to expedite his departure. Yesterday, the club ruled out Vandinho's move to Fluminense. Flamengo is also trying to build its off-field team. A position Kleber Leite considers crucial for the football department to source players on the market and plan for 2009, the vice-presidency of finance is definitely vacant. José Carlos Dias informed president Márcio Braga that he will not resume the position. He admits to continuing to collaborate as a director or in any role Márcio Braga requests. Since Dias's departure, Mário Cruz has been working on an interim basis. The club expects to release R$4 million withheld from Petrobras' share next week to pay employees' overdue salaries. Flamengo promises support for Jade's recovery. The gymnast's family wants to charge CBG for treatment costs. Flamengo has promised to fully support gymnast Jade Barbosa's treatment. This was guaranteed by the club's vice president of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim. The athlete's family announced that they will sue the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation (CBG) for the treatment costs of Jade's right wrist injury, suffered before the Beijing Games. "The case is a concern for Brazil, not just Flamengo. I've known her for a long time and I'm very concerned. We know that high-level sports always face this dilemma, but Flamengo will give her full support in her recovery," said Patrícia. Fellow gymnast Daniele Hypólito noted that injuries are common in competitive sports: "It's normal to get injured in sports, especially during intensive and repetitive training."
First-World Attendance \ In Europe, Flamengo would only have the 29th highest grossing team \ Bernardo Pombo \ With the most world titles and the record for player transfers, Brazilian football is the biggest reference on the field. But off the field, it still has much to learn. Proof of this is the enormous superiority in average attendance of European clubs. If it played in Europe, Flamengo, the highest-grossing team in the 2008 Brazilian Championship with 40.694 fans per match, would be only 29th in this category, trailing smaller teams such as England's Sunderland (43.343) and Germany's Cologne (43.740). \ Without a policy to build fan loyalty, most Brazilian clubs don't know how to attract fans using strategies common in Europe, such as selling membership cards. Violence also plays against them. To fill the stadium here, everyone needs to run major campaigns or sign big-name players, which is important but not essential there. "European clubs are a thousand years ahead of Brazilian clubs in terms of organization and how to treat football as a business. This involves attracting fans to stadiums. Just a few years ago, for example, there were no regulations or fixed schedules here," says businessman J. Hawilla, owner of Traffic, a sports marketing company that partners with clubs like Palmeiras and Fluminense. "The comparison becomes even more frightening considering the overall average attendance for the Brazilian Championship, which in 2008 was 16.992 fans per game—much lower than Real Madrid (76.200), Manchester United (75.690), and Borussia Dortmund (72.500). Fluminense had the highest average attendance in the last Libertadores: 49.011 per match." By national standards, it's a good figure, but it falls behind, for example, the averages of Scotland's Rangers (49.145), Germany's Stuttgart (50.445) and France's Olympique de Marseille (52.600), among others. Three-time Brazilian champion, São Paulo, a model of management in the country, is also far from the European standard. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, it had just over 24 fans per game, well below France's Lens (34.655), Spain's Athletic Bilbao (36.235) and England's Derby Country (30.870).
SPORTS JOURNAL
Retrospective: Fussiness ruins a promising season at Flamengo
The club is a two-time Rio de Janeiro club, but bragging is hindering the team in the Libertadores and the Brazilian Championships.
Rio de Janeiro - The 2008 season featured 66 games, with a record of 38 wins, 13 draws, and 15 losses. The numbers seemed to be a good year. However, the sentiment among Flamengo's fans at the end of 2008 was not the best. Despite winning the Guanabara Cup and the State Championship twice, the club suffered disappointments at the Maracanã, being shamefully eliminated from the Copa Libertadores da América and still failing to qualify for the following year's competition, such was the string of consecutive failures at the Maracanã. Braggadocio also marked the year and, for many, was largely responsible for the hubbub that robbed Flamengo of a sixth championship title that seemed well underway, and worse, after two years, having to return to the Copa do Brasil in 2009.
Despite everything, the hope of Brazil's biggest fan base is that the mistakes of the year that is ending have served to bring about administrative progress and that the results that were lacking in 2008 can appear in 2009.
Campeonato Carioca: title with much crying
Flamengo played 20 games to win its second State Championship. Before winning the title, Flamengo also won the Guanabara Cup for the second time. Both victories came over Botafogo and sparked much outrage from their opponents, especially on February 24th, the date of the Guanabara Cup final. In a thrilling match, Flamengo defeated Botafogo 2-1 with a goal from Diego Tardelli in the 46th minute of the second half. However, the move that sparked the Black and White fans' outrage was a penalty awarded to defender Fábio Luciano early in the second half. Unhappy, the opponents staged a pathetic scene at the end of the match. United, the players cried profusely in the locker room, sparking an unnecessary rivalry and antagonism among Flamengo fans, who began to nickname Flamengo the "crybaby" team.
The two teams met again in two matches to decide the Carioca Championship. In the first leg, the score was 1-0, with Obina scoring. In the second leg, coach Joel Santana's star shined. At halftime, with Flamengo losing the Carioca Championship final to Botafogo 1-0, the coach brought on Obina and Diego Tardelli. And the two forwards were directly responsible for the team's comeback. The 3-1 victory secured the Gávea club's 30th state title. The celebration was met with tears and taunts directed at the General Severiano team.
Souza celebrates his second state championship by provoking Botafogo fans |
Libertadores: the first shame of the year at Maracanã
Flamengo's Libertadores campaign thrilled fans. With the second-best record in the second phase, Flamengo faced América-MEX in the round of 16. Considered an easy opponent due to the crisis they faced in May, the Mexican team was defeated in the first leg at home, 4-2. Virtually eliminated, América-MEX arrived in Rio de Janeiro on May 8th, with newspapers in that country claiming the players were just going to play catch-up and get to know the marvelous city better. Meanwhile, Flamengo was celebrating its state title and preparing to bid farewell to Joel Santana, affectionately known by Flamengo fans as "Daddy Joel."
Facing a deficit of up to two goals, Flamengo took the field celebrating and paying tribute to their coach. That night, it seemed like anything but a football match at Maracanã. Joel Santana received a plaque, a jersey, and even a lap of honor around the stadium. After the ceremony, Flamengo's first and greatest embarrassment of 2008 began. Listless, Flamengo was thrashed 3-0 in unbelievable fashion. Esqueda scored the goals and two by the plump Cabañas (Mengão's executioner). In the saddest episode of the year, more than 50 Flamengo fans left the World's Largest Stadium in silence and tears, a veritable Maracanazzo.
Brazilian Championship: points lost at home and the coach's inexperience took away from Fla the dreamed sixth Brazilian championship and even the place in the 2009 Libertadores
On May 11th, Flamengo made its debut in the Brazilian Championship. With a new coach, Joel Santana had taken over as manager of the South African national team, Caio Júnior was in charge of the Rubro-Negro for the 38 rounds of Brazil's premier football competition. And the young coach got off to a strong start. With a well-rounded squad, Flamengo racked up a significant number of points early in the competition and even led the Brazilian Championship for nine rounds. Playing good football and with a consistent style of play, the team was considered by critics to be one of the favorites to win the title. Then came the first obstacle in Caio Júnior's path: the transfer window. During that period, the club lost three starters: Renato Augusto, Marcinho, and Souza. The board replaced the squad, and the coach said he was satisfied with the performance. However, the downfall began. In 21 points contested, the club only won 2. Criticism of Caio Júnior's work became increasingly frequent, but even so, alternating highs and lows, the red-black team still managed to remain among the top four in the table for almost the entire competition.
Just when it seemed the team had restructured, a major blow came, one that many believed deprived the club of any chance of a title. On October 11, Atlético-MG thrashed Flamengo 3-0 at Maracanã Stadium. The result had drastic consequences, including locker room arguments and a clear rift within the group, as well as increasingly clear dissatisfaction with coach Caio Júnior. After the loss to the Minas Gerais team, two more results ended the red-and-blacks' run of home embarrassments and sealed the team's failure in the Brazilian Championship. On November 2nd, Flamengo and Portuguesa drew 2-2 and on November 30th, winning 3-0, the team allowed Goiás to equalize in the second half, letting the Libertadores chances slip through their fingers.\ Coach Caio Júnior was fired a day after the end of the Brazilian Championship and now the red-black team trusts in Cuca to bring to Gávea what was not achieved in 2008. A year, which for many, was worthy of being forgotten.\
Willans awaits release from Santo André
Rio de Janeiro - Flamengo's second signing has yet to appear in Gávea. The player was expected this Monday, but so far, he hasn't been introduced. The player himself explained the delay in finalizing the deal. According to him, he still needs clearance from the president of Santo André so he can reach an agreement with the Rio de Janeiro club. "I'm waiting for a response from the president of Santo André to sort everything out. That's all that's missing, but, God willing, everything will work out and I'll play for Flamengo," he said. The player analyzed the Flamengo squad, which he plans to join in 2009. He believes the fact that the club has retained its 2008 youth academy will help at the start of the season. He said he's aware of the difficulties he'll face in playing, but he expects to play. "There are a lot of experienced players, and that makes things easier. I know it's going to be difficult to play; Flamengo has some great players, but I'll find my place. I'm sure I can help Flamengo," he added.
Kleber Leite rules out Vandinho's move to Fluminense
Player was speculated at Tricolor
Rio de Janeiro - Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, ruled out any chance of striker Vandinho transferring to Fluminense, a club reportedly interested in signing him. When asked about the possibility of a deal happening, the director was blunt. "None. Zero chance," says Kleber Leite. Despite Flamengo's interest in the deal, the former Avaí striker's agent also denied any possibility of the transfer happening, at least for now. "If there was anything, I should know. He has offers from other clubs in Brazil and abroad, but no one from Fluminense has contacted me. I'm in Florianópolis, and the player is on vacation in Londrina," says Luiz Alberto, the player's agent.
Josiel confirmed for next season
Striker will be kept and Kleber Leite once again states that signings for 2009 will be surgical
Vinicius Castro
Rio de Janeiro - After Adriano stated that there's no chance of him returning to Flamengo at this time, the Flamengo board will have to find other options for the team's attack. Since the board's goal is to sign a number 9 and a number 10, options are becoming scarce, and vice president of football Kleber Leite assures that the club won't make any crazy moves or make any major signings for the start of the 2009 season.
This situation involves the use of striker Josiel. With few opportunities in 2008, the player was expected to be released, but will be used in 2009. Kleber Leite explains the striker's situation.
"In the Arab world, there's little training and playing. You can't bring in a player mid-season. It was a mistake on our part, and it's only fair that Josiel be able to do a preseason," he comments.
With a contract until the middle of next year, Josiel could prove to be the solution to Flamengo's lack of options on the market and its financial difficulties. Kleber believes Flamengo's squad is ready to compete in next year's competitions, with a real chance of winning titles. The strength of the squad will be measured during the State Championship, when Flamengo will be seeking its thirty-first title.
"We'll be clinical and won't repeat mistakes. There are players coming up from the youth ranks that we can't afford to miss, like Fabrício, Egídio, and Erick Flores," he concludes.
Luizinho leaves Flamengo for Santos
Rio de Janeiro - Right-back Luizinho will not wear the Flamengo jersey next season. The player signed with Santos and will reinforce the Vila Belmiro team in 2009. According to Flamengo's football director, Plínio Serpa Pinto, the player was released by the Flamengo board.\ Luizinho's deal with Santos depended on Flamengo's approval, since Cruzeiro, the owner of the player's federation rights, prioritized a possible renewal with Flamengo.\ Santos' football director, Ocimar Bolicenho, confirmed the agreement with the full-back and expects Luizinho's arrival this Tuesday for medical examinations.\ - We've been talking to him for a week. But it depended on Cruzeiro, who told us Flamengo was their first option. Since Flamengo backed out, we signed with him. We're arranging for Luizinho to come for his medical tomorrow," he says. Luizinho played for Flamengo in eight matches in the 2008 Brasileirão. Discovered by Guarani-MG, the 26-year-old full-back has also played for Cruzeiro, Ipatinga, and Santa Cruz, among other clubs.
Adriano rules out returning to Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro Adriano admitted on Tuesday that he's uncomfortable with his situation in Italian football, but also ruled out any possibility of coming to play for Flamengo. The striker hopes to be used again by coach José Mourinho at Inter Milan or to be transferred to another European club during the January transfer window. Adriano was at Leme beach late in the afternoon to watch a match organized by his friend Júnior Negão. The Emperor was just a spectator and didn't join the party. He leaves for Milan next Thursday, as his return is scheduled for the 2nd. I'm not going to tell you I'm not happy. But I had some difficulties there. I'm very calm now. I've been in Italy for eight years. Maybe it would be better for me to leave. As the coach and the president himself said. But they really want me to come back, to stay and play. I know my potential and I want to show that to everyone. If it's not in Italy, it will be somewhere else. Regarding Flamengo's interest, Adriano considers it very difficult to return to Brazilian football at this time. He doesn't know where the reports that he's close to signing with the Rio de Janeiro club came from. "There's nothing. It must be because I once said that if I returned to Brazil, it would be to play for Flamengo. But for now, there's nothing like that. I have the greatest affection for Flamengo. For the fans, for the president, but there's nothing like that." Adriano admitted that he'll need time to regain his fitness when he returns to Inter Milan. "I haven't played for a month now. And when that happens, you lose a bit of fitness, which is normal too. But I can recover quickly." Although coach José Mourinho has hinted in recent interviews that he no longer counts on Adriano for the rest of the season, the striker said he's been talking to him for the last two weeks, during his time in Brazil. "He wants me back until I sort this situation out. I'm fine, I've had plenty of rest and enjoyed my family." Regarding the Brazilian national team, Adriano hopes to remain in Dunga's squad. "I have to think about playing well first to get back into the Brazilian national team. Dunga cares deeply about me. If I play well, it will happen, and I'll fight for my place. I hope next year is the best it can be."
THE DAY
Porto does not accept Flamengo's proposal for Ibson
Rio - Flamengo's negotiations to acquire midfielder Ibson permanently became more difficult this Tuesday. Porto, from Portugal, which owns the player's federation rights, rejected the initial offer made by the red-and-black club and will only negotiate the player for approximately R$13 million.
This would force Ibson to return to Portugal in the middle of next year, specifically on July 4th, when his contract with Flamengo ends. Although he was worried about the impasse, Ibson says he will try not to think about it and leave it to his agent, Eduardo Uram, to resolve the situation.
Fla will maintain the 2008 base
Rio - What was just talk has become reality. For the start of 2009, Flamengo will truly invest in the core squad built this past season. Defender Douglas, from Santo André, was the only one to sign a contract. Given the investment in new funds, the fact that Willians, also from the São Paulo team, has not yet reached an agreement is causing some concern in Gávea.
"I'm waiting for a permanent position. I know I'll arrive at a team with a solid foundation, but I'll fight for my place," Willians declared. The problem is that Santo André is demanding a R$3 million release clause, an amount Flamengo isn't considering paying. Flamengo's executives are considering loaning a player to the São Paulo club.
Flamengo wants to return Sambueza to River Plate
Rio - Argentine Sambueza will not continue at Flamengo in 2009. The midfielder will not even return to the rest of the group on January 7th and the red-black club intends to return him to River Plate, in Argentina, which owns the player's federation rights.
At 24, Sambueza's contract with the club runs until August, and the player's loan cost R$400. Under Caio Júnior's management, the midfielder played just seven matches for Flamengo.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Sambueza is not in Cuca's plans and could return to River
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Unlike his compatriot Darío Conca, who was being pursued by several Brazilian clubs, Argentine Sambueza appears to have failed to impress during his six months at Gávea. Flamengo's board is considering returning the player to River Plate-ARG, the club that holds the midfielder's federation rights.
On loan to the Red-Blacks, Sambueza only played in seven Brazilian Championship matches. Now, with the change in coaching—Cuca has taken over from Caio Júnior—the player is no longer in the club's plans for 2009.
With a contract with the Rio de Janeiro club until August of next year, Sambueza cost Flamengo R$400 for the loan. A product of River Plate's youth academy alongside Conca, the Argentine also played for Pumas-MEX.
André Lima thinks about São Paulo without ruling out Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - A supporting player after debuting with two goals at a packed Morumbi stadium against Vasco, striker André Lima still doesn't know where he will spend his final six months in Brazil before returning to Hertha Berlin in Germany. The player expressed his desire to remain with Tricolor, but didn't rule out a change of plans.
"My intention is to return to São Paulo on the 12th, but I'm not ruling out going to Flamengo," said the striker, who could be the solution to the attacking problems at Gávea.
Back in Rio de Janeiro, the player could still recapture the great form he showed at Botafogo 2007, when the chant “Lima, André Lima” echoed in the stadiums for a good part of the season.
For André Lima, regardless of his fate, one thing is certain: he has only one semester to show he can still play soccer at a high level. "These six months I have in Brazil will make things difficult, as everyone wants longer contracts. I just know that 2009 will be my year. I have to crush it again," he added.
Flamengo's negotiations for Ibson get complicated \ Gazeta Press \
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's board was surprised by Porto's decision to reject the club's initial offer to permanently transfer midfielder Ibson. The amount offered, however, was well below Porto's asking price, which is only negotiating the player for around R$13 million.
If the impasse persists, Ibson will have to return to Portugal mid-year, when his contract expires. The player didn't hide his frustration with the news and said he intends to stay at Gávea. Ibson's agent even suggested a trade with São Paulo midfielder Richarlyson, an idea rejected by Flamengo's board.
The player is on loan until July 4, 2009, and after that date he will have to report back to Portugal if the clubs fail to reach an agreement. Ibson said that his agent, Eduardo Uram, and his father will look after his interests in the negotiation, which he hopes will be successful.
New chance: As there are not many resources for new signings, Flamengo's board will bet on center forward Josiel, who has not yet managed to repeat at Gávea the goals he scored when he played for Paraná.
For vice president Kléber Leite, Josiel deserves a second chance because he jumped ship halfway through and now he'll have the chance to do preseason training with the other players.
Adriano denies return to Gávea\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Striker Adriano has decided to put an end to the possibility of returning to Flamengo next season, as previously announced. The Emperor assured that he never discussed leaving Inter Milan and will report to coach José Mourinho as usual.
The player also stated that, if he has to leave the Italian club due to disagreements with the Portuguese coach, he intends to continue his career at another European club, which would put an end to the red-black board's dream of counting on his football.
Adriano, however, emphasized that he has a lot of affection for Flamengo, which was his first football home, and said that the day he has to return to Brazil, playing for the red-black club will be his priority.
Now, Adriano is interested in overcoming his differences with his current coach and staying at Inter Milan, at least until the end of the season.
PELENET
In the sights of Cruzeiro, Fla and Flu, Fred says he will stay at Lyon until June
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Fred has been the subject of speculation from three major Brazilian clubs. Cruzeiro, Flamengo, and Fluminense have already expressed interest, but what was expected was confirmed this Tuesday. The Lyon-FRA striker confirmed after his team's training session that he will see out his contract until the end. He is even considering the possibility of staying with the French club.
"I can only say at this time that I will stay here until June. On the other hand, I'm sure that I will continue to discuss my future contracts until this month. My commitment is in effect, and I can't do anything else," Fred told the French press. On the other hand, his idea aligns with Claude Puel. The player has been underutilized by the coach. He reiterated that Fred's commitment will be fulfilled until June, and after that, the Brazilian is free to negotiate. "A truce has been reached. He will stay at the club until the end of his contract and then he can decide where he will play. In professional football, it's the least we can do," he assessed. About two weeks ago, when Fred arrived in Belo Horizonte to spend Christmas with his family, the striker assured that he would not continue with the French team. At the time, he even reportedly asked Cruzeiro president Zezé Perrela to try to secure his release. Aware of this possibility, the directors of Flamengo and Fluminense also expressed their intention to count on the player.
GLOBOESPORTE
Douglas hopes to be the shadow of Ronaldo Angelim and Fábio Luciano
Defender, who came from Santo André, wants to quickly gain a place in the group
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Douglas was Fla's first reinforcement for 2009
Signed from Santo André, defender Douglas hopes to quickly gain the trust of coach Cuca. He knows that Fábio Luciano and Rogério Angelim are undisputed starters in the Flamengo defense. But he expects to become a shadow over them, especially after the departures of Dininho and Leonardo, who were reserves. "I expect to do a good job at Flamengo. The important thing is to be part of the team, and I'll fight for a chance. Flamengo is different from everything else, but I won't have any problems," said Douglas in an interview with Rádio Brasil. The defender, who excelled with Santo André in Série B, signed a one-year contract. At 23, and with stints at Atlético-PR, Paulista, and Joinville, Douglas points to his main characteristic: "I consider myself a fast defender, faster than usual." In addition to Douglas, Flamengo will have Fabrício, who was on loan to Paraná, and Tiago Sales, who came through the youth ranks, as options for defense.
Luizinho agrees to move to Santos
Flamengo's right-back is loaned to the São Paulo club by Cruzeiro
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Luizinho signed a contract this Tuesday
Cruzeiro confirmed on Tuesday the transfer of right-back Luizinho to Santos. The player, who played for Flamengo for the last two seasons, was loaned to Santos for free. Luizinho arrived at the Rio de Janeiro club in early 2007 at the request of coach Ney Franco, also playing for Santos at the time. After a season without establishing himself as a starter, 2008 was a better year for the player, who is now leaving Gávea. Luiz Antônio de Oliveira, 26, was discovered by Guarani-MG and has played for eight clubs. In 2006, he was named the best right-back in the Campeonato Mineiro, with Cruzeiro.
Fla ends the year as leader of Timemania, but far from raising the expected amount
Rio de Janeiro club has 8,3% of total lottery bets
Thiago Lavinas Rio de Janeiro
After 44 contests, Flamengo ended 2008 as the team that raised the most money from Timemania. But the lottery created by the Federal Government in March as a lifeline for Brazilian clubs failed to take off. Although it leads with 8,3% of bets, Flamengo is far from reaching the R$350 monthly revenue initially estimated by Caixa Econômica Federal's directors and economists. At the start of the lottery, the club earned around R$155 per month, but the amount has been falling each month. In November, it reached around R$80.
In the last lottery of the year, Flamengo received 64.190 bets, representing 7,57% of the total. Timemania was created to help Brazilian clubs pay off their debts to the INSS (National Institute of Social Security), the Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS), the Federal Revenue Service, and the Attorney General's Office of the National Treasury. But after nine months, the lottery hasn't generated the same interest among fans as the Ministry of Sports had predicted. It hasn't even reached the Mega Sena's success in terms of the number of bets and prize amounts. Flamengo admitted to owing R$163.781.497 to the Federal Government. The club initially expected to pay off this amount in 20 years. However, the calculation was based on a monthly revenue of R$350. If Timemania doesn't work out, the club will have to cover the remaining amount to repay the debt. Corinthians came in second in total bets. Then there are Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Santos, Internacional, Vasco, Cruzeiro and Botafogo.\
Betting rankings may affect Timemania payments
Resource distribution will be different in 2010, thanks to the fans
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
The 80 clubs participating in Timemania will receive their lottery funds this Tuesday, based on their placement in the groups defined in 2006. That year, it was agreed that the teams in the First Division would be in Group 1, which receives the largest share of the funds. In 2010, however, the rankings are expected to change, and some clubs will move up a division in the lottery. This information is from Caixa Econômica Federal. The distribution of funds will be based on the proportionality of the bets indicated, always considering the previous year. Starting in January 2010, the 20 teams most nominated as Team of the Heart in 2009 will share 65% of the allocation (Group 1). Those placed between 21st and 40th will share 25% (Group 2). The remaining 40 (Group 3) will receive 8%, and those outside the group will share 2%. If the changes were made this Tuesday, some clubs would already benefit. Bahia, Vitória, Fortaleza, Ceará, and Coritiba, all in Group 2, are among the 20 clubs with the most bets. If they continue like this, they will no longer receive a 25% share of the total to share in the 65% share of the amount allocated to paying debts to the federal government. They would then be in the same bracket as Flamengo, Corinthians, São Paulo, and other major national clubs. On the other hand, other clubs that were not helped by their fans are likely to receive less in 2010. Paraná, in Group 1 (it was in Serie A in 2006), is in 46th place. Even in Series B, the club will end up participating in the division of only 8%, as it will "fall" to Group 3. A similar situation occurs with América-RN and teams like Figueirense, Juventude and Náutico, who also run the risk of receiving less if their fans do not help.
Fla ends the year as leader of Timemania
After 44 contests, Flamengo ended 2008 as the team that raised the most money from Timemania. Corinthians came in second in total number of bets, followed by São Paulo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Santos, Internacional, Vasco, Cruzeiro, and Botafogo.
Timemania was created to help Brazilian clubs pay off their debts to the INSS (National Institute of Social Security), the FGTS (Workers' Fund for Social Security), the Federal Revenue Service, and the Attorney General's Office of the National Treasury. But after nine months, the lottery hasn't generated widespread fan interest, as the Ministry of Sports had predicted. It hasn't even reached the same level of success as Mega Sena in terms of the number of bets and prize amounts.
Check out how the groups will be divided in 2010:
Group 1 | 65% of the amount will be passed on to the 20 clubs most chosen as Favorite Team (from 1st to 20th) |
Group 2 | 25% to the other 20 most chosen teams (from 21st to 40th) |
Group 3 | 8% of the remuneration divided among the other 40 participating clubs of the amount |
Group 4 | 2% of the remuneration for teams not included in the amount |
Group 5 | + 2% of the proceeds go to the clubs according to the number of bets |
Concerned, Flamengo promises to help Jade recover from her wrist injury
Club does not rule out the possibility of gymnast training in the USA
Alexandre Lobo Rio de Janeiro
Jade during training in Gávea
Flamengo, a traditional hotbed of Brazilian artistic gymnastics athletes, is concerned. Its newest star, Jade Barbosa, has been struggling with a right wrist injury that, according to recent tests, could be irreversible, causing pain and concern for the rest of her career. Patrícia Amorim, the club's vice president of Olympic sports, is following the case with concern and will provide the athlete with all necessary support. "The case is a concern for Brazil, not just Flamengo. We've known her for a long time and are very concerned. We know that high-level sports always face this dilemma, but Flamengo will provide all the support it can to help her recover," Patrícia told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone. "Jade is being treated by her private physician, Dr. Ricardo Laranjeira, and Flamengo is monitoring the case through the gymnast's coach, Ricardo Pereira, who is passing the information on to the Olympic Sports Department." Although the problem is apparently serious, Patrícia guarantees that there was never a possibility of Jade abandoning the sport.
"It was never said that she would no longer be able to compete. What is being said is that it's a very serious injury and that, depending on the outcome, she will have to live with the pain for the rest of her life."
Although Ricardo Pereira doesn't believe Jade will train in the United States, as the gymnast's stepmother commented in an article published in "O Globo" on Tuesday, Flamengo is leaving the possibility open. According to Patrícia, everything will depend on Jade's ability to represent the club in national competitions. "If she's able to go and compete for Flamengo, there's no problem. This is common in other sports. We've had several cases of athletes living abroad and competing here. I just don't know if the international federation's rules would allow this. We will always support the athlete so that she gets the best for herself." Contacted by GLOBOESPORTE.COM, Jade Barbosa and her father, César, declined to comment on the results of the gymnast's latest exam. The Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation stated that it is on recess until January 7th and will not comment on this or any other matter until then.
THROW
Flamengo director says he won't sign a full-back
Cuca will not have a backup right-back at the beginning of 2009
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Luizinho's transfer to Santos created a vacancy in Flamengo's squad that will not be filled. According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, the club has no plans to sign a backup to Léo Moura.
With the board's decision, Cuca will have to do the same as Caio Júnior with the left back position in 2008: improvise someone.
– Within the squad, Cuca has names that he can adapt to the position – said Kléber Leite.
For left back in 2009, Juan's backup will be Egídio, who was on loan to Paraná.
Adílio leaves Fla satisfied with his work
The youth coach is happy to have helped and has no hard feelings
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Fired after the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, Adílio holds no grudges against Flamengo. The coach replaced Rogério Lourenço as head coach of the youth team and left satisfied with the work he had accomplished over nearly five years.
Adílio recalled that, when he arrived, he and other players, such as Zico and Júnior, were concerned about Flamengo's lack of promising talent. And that has now changed.
"I arrived at the age of six. Flamengo is in my heart, and I can only be grateful. I leave with a sense of accomplishment. I did a wonderful job. We developed several players, and we have to be helping the club. I'm very happy to have helped," said Adílio, who was a three-time state junior champion, a three-time OPG champion, and a third-place finisher at the U-20 World Cup in Malaysia.
Josiel remains at Flamengo in 2009
Rubro-Negro director confirms striker until mid-year
Josiel hasn't done well for Flamengo so far
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Signed as a solution to Flamengo's lack of goalscoring, Josiel ended the year on a low note and could be traded. However, vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the player will remain at Gávea until his contract expires: July 31, 2009.
Josiel arrived at Flamengo in August, but played only five matches in the Brazilian Championship and didn't score a goal. Now, the Flamengo board is hoping the striker will perform better after completing preseason training with the group and return to scoring.
"Josiel is staying with us. He has a contract until mid-year and will fulfill it properly," said Kléber Leite.
Kléber Leite rules out Vandinho at Fluminense
The player's agent also denies interest from Tricolor Carioca
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Last Sunday, reports suggested that Vandinho, on loan from Avaí (SC) to Flamengo until the end of 2009, could even be announced by Fluminense yesterday. Fluminense's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, was emphatic when asked if there was any possibility of the striker going to Fluminense.
- None. Zero chance - he said.
The player was offered to Fluminense this month. A source within the club's board confirmed yesterday that the club remains interested in Vandinho. However, the striker's agent, Luiz Alberto, stated that he was unaware of the negotiation:
"If there was anything, I should know. He has offers from other clubs in Brazil and abroad, but no one from Fluminense has contacted me. I'm in Florianópolis, and the player is on vacation in Londrina."
if (!(partnerdomain)){OAS_AD('x10');}See Flamengo's top scorers in history
Rubro-Negro hasn't had a championship top scorer since 2001
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The last few years have been strange for Flamengo fans when it comes to top scorers. Accustomed to seeing their players finish championships as the top scorers, the red-and-blacks are nostalgic for the past.
Flamengo's last top scorer in a competition was Edilson in the 2001 Campeonato Carioca. Before him, other players made history.
In 1941, Pirilo scored 39 goals in the Campeonato Carioca. He is the Flamengo player with the most goals in a single competition. Another standout was Romário. Wearing the red-and-black jersey, the striker was the top scorer in three Carioca championships, two Copa do Brasil championships, a Rio-São Paulo championship, and a Mercosul Cup.
See below Flamengo's top scorers in the competitions:
Campeonato Carioca\ 1914 - Riemer - 9 goals\ 1921 - Nonô - 11 goals\ 1923 - Nonô - 17 goals\ 1925 - Nonô - 29 goals\ 1934 - Alfredinho - 10 goals\ 1938 - Leônidas - 16 goals\ 1940 - Leônidas - 30 goals\ 1941 - Pirilo - 39 goals\ 1953 - Benitez - 22 goals\ 1955 - Paulinho - 23 goals\ 1972 - Doval - 16 goals\ 1973 - Dario - 15 goals\ 1975 - Zico - 30 goals\ 1977 - Zico - 27 goals\ 1978 - Zico and C. Adão - 19 goals\ 1979 Special - Zico - 26 goals\ 1979 - Zico - 34 goals\ 1982 - Zico - 21 goals\ 1988 - Bebeto - 17 goals\ 1989 - Bebeto - 18 goals\ 1990 - Gaúcho - 14 goals\ 1991 - Gaúcho - 17 goals\ 1994 - Charles - 14 goals\ 1996 - Romario - 26 goals\ 1997 - Romario - 18 goals\ 1999 - Romario - 16 goals\ 2001 - Edilson - 16 goals\
Roberto Gomes Pedrosa:\ 1967 - Ademar - 15 goals\
Rio-São Paulo Tournament:\ 1959 - Henrique - 9 goals\ 1993 - Renato Gaúcho - 6 goals\ 1997 - Romario - 7 goals\
Liberators:\ 1981 - Zico - 11 goals\ 1991 - Gaucho - 8 goals\
Brazil's Cup:\ 1995 - Sávio - 7 goals\ 1998 - Romário - 7 goals\ 1999 - Romário - 7 goals\
Brazilian championship:\ 1980 - Zico - 21 goals\ 1981 - Nunes - 16 goals\ 1982 - Zico - 21 goals\
Mercosur Cup:\ 1999 - Romario - 8 goals\
Club World Cup:\ 1981 - Nunes - 2 goals\
Marcio Braga sends end-of-year message
Flamengo's president praises achievements and talks about improvements for 2009
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Flamengo president Marcio Braga sent a year-end message to all fans. In the statement released by the press office, the director praised the club's achievements in sports and its progress beyond the field.
Marcio Braga also mentions improvements that need to be implemented in 2009, particularly at the headquarters. He asks the Deliberative Council to consider the Institutional Reform to take the first step toward this goal.
See Marcio Braga's message in full below.
"It's time for joy and hope!
At the end of another year, we have a lot to celebrate.
We won the title of champion of the 23rd Future Rowing Tournament, we won the Brazilian championship and the fourth state basketball championship, we won the second Rio de Janeiro soccer championship, we competed in the Brazilian championship until the last round scoring the highest number of goals in the competition, with more points than in 2007, and the red-black fans, once again, put on a show in the stands breaking attendance and fundraising records.
The challenges we faced this year were significant, and to overcome them, we must recognize that we had the full support of the Presidents of the other branches of the club, the board of directors, employees, and advisors, great red-and-blacks who have greatly contributed to the development of the club's institutional projects.
We managed to qualify our Training Center construction project under the Sports Incentive Law, structured the club's participation in the Maracanã bidding process, ensuring the revitalization of Gávea, enabled the exposure of our brand in Europe through the Formula Superliga, renegotiated the club's main contracts, especially the Petrobrás sponsorship and the professional football broadcasting rights, increasing our revenue by more than 50% and, above all, forwarded Flamengo's Institutional Reform project to the Deliberative Council.
Flamengo needs tools to modernize its management and regain its investment capacity. It is crucial that the Deliberative Council consider the Institutional Reform, as only then will Flamengo be able to maintain and improve its sporting and administrative performance.
This is our biggest challenge in 2009 and we will need everyone's help.
Let's go forward, our glory is to fight!
Happy New Year!"