Flamengo President Marcio Braga, on leave to recover from cardiovascular surgery, has learned of the decision handed down by the Sports Justice Court of the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation - FERJ, which imposed a 1.440-day suspension on him and has the following to clarify:

1- In none of his interviews or statements did he address the aforementioned Court, whose composition he does not even know;

2- Flamengo has repeatedly protested against FERJ's actions, such as:

a) the undue discount of 10% of the gross income of each match played in the State of Rio de Janeiro when the statute only allows a discount of up to 10% of the net income;

b) the undue discount of 10% of the amounts received for the broadcasting rights of the Rio de Janeiro championship, contrary to the provisions of the respective contracts;

c) the coup to extend the mandate of the current president of FERJ until 2014 in a General Assembly held in secret without Flamengo's call.

These and other actions by FERJ contribute to the economic weakening of Rio de Janeiro football. FERJ cannot continue to misappropriate the assets of clubs, especially Flamengo.

Rio de Janeiro, March 24, 2009

FLAMENGO REGATAS CLUB