On May 9, 2013, the Rio de Janeiro State Government held a bidding process for the 35-year commercial concession for the Maracanã Complex, a bid won by the consortium of Odebrecht, IMX, and AEG. Contrary to global trends, the government's proposed contract prohibited the participation of soccer clubs.

Less than three years later, the winning consortium expressed interest in negotiating the return of the stadium management contract, arguing that the viability of the project was compromised after the initial project was changed and due to the high operating costs and extensive works foreseen in the contract.

Given the failure of the current concession model at Maracanã and the demonstrations and attempts to transfer the current concession contract in force to third parties, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo publicly declares that:

- Opposes the current model that prohibits clubs from participating in the stadium's management, in favor of companies dissociated from the essence and history of Maracanã;

- A new bidding process is necessary, with the clubs taking a leading role not only in the spectacle but also in the management, administration, operation, and maintenance of the stadium, in addition to readjusting the contract to reflect the project's changes. These are the only legitimate ways to resolve the impasse that deprives the public of access to an important sports facility like the Maracanã;

- The failure of the winning consortium in 2013 reinforces that the conditions presented in the current model represent a step backwards in relation to the most modern models of management, administration, operation and maintenance of stadiums and sports arenas;

- As a football club with the largest fan base in Brazil, which generates the largest revenues at Maracanã, it expresses its full interest in participating in the necessary and morally essential new bidding process for the concession of Maracanã, as long as it is a protagonist in the corresponding administration;

- If the current model is maintained, in which the club is operated by a concessionaire that does not generate compensation compatible with the high rental values ​​charged, the lease contract for use of Maracanã, which will end at the end of 2016, will not be renewed;

- Will not enter into a lease agreement with any successor to the current Maracanã Consortium;

- In the current concession model, without the participation in the management of content and revenue generators, there is a concrete risk of turning one of the most important stadiums in the world into a "white elephant", which would be regrettable for the image of Rio de Janeiro;

- Hopes that, very soon and with the support of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, which is aware of the passion of Flamengo fans for the stadium, it will be possible to return to operating at Maracanã, in a sustainable and direct manner, through a new, fair and transparent concession contract;

- Believes it can follow the global trend of seeking its own stadium, with the club generating real value for its fans and sponsors;

- As a citizen club, awarded for its transparent management and recognized in the market as a trustworthy commercial partner, it is today, unlike when the first bid was held, prepared to take over the management of the stadium, attributing even greater economic and cultural value to this icon of global sport. 

Finally, we hope, as in a championship final, that Maracanã returns to being the "temple of football" with the spectacle managed by those who produce it.

Flamengo Regatta Club