Can Edmundo Strip Flamengo of the Maracanã Concession?
The federal deputy candidate promises intervention, but the current contract makes it legally unviable.
Former striker Edmundo's campaign promise to revoke Flamengo's Maracanã concession has sparked heated debate. Journalist Bernardo Ramos analyzes the legal hurdles, the ownership split with Fluminense, and the practical unfeasibility of the proposal.
The campaign promise by Edmundo—a federal deputy candidate for the PSDB in Rio de Janeiro—to strip Flamengo of its control over the Maracanã should he be elected lacks both legal and administrative viability. According to Bernardo Ramos, the statement capitalizes on the frustration of Vasco da Gama supporters, who were unable to use the stadium for the Copa Sudamericana semifinal against Boca Juniors.
In the video above, Bernardo Ramos explains in detail the contractual and corporate safeguards preventing any immediate political intervention regarding the sports complex's management.
Legal Certainty and the Concession Split
Even as a federal deputy in the Chamber of Deputies, Edmundo could at most propose a bill, which would still require approval and presidential assent. Even then, federal intervention does not apply due to the valid contract in place. Flamengo and Fluminense hold the stadium concession, with the Rubro-Negro acting as the majority partner holding 65%, while the Tricolor club holds 35%. A breach of contract would force a new bidding process, in which the current concessionaires would be permitted to bid again.
The administration of the stadium, managed by Fred Nantes, operates under a private concession model similar to Engenhão with Botafogo, doing away with the former direct state control exercised by the Rio de Janeiro Sports Superintendency (SUDERJ). The consortium also holds the rights to negotiate naming rights for the Maracanã, whose revenue is subject to a 20% tax deduction prior to proportional distribution between Flamengo and Fluminense.
Impact on the Club's Own Stadium Debate
Bernardo also recalls the historic stand division established in 1950, when Vasco chose the right side of the press boxes after winning the state championship—a layout reorganized following renovations and the current concession. In light of Flamengo's control over the Maracanã, Bernardo reinforces his opposition to the immediate construction of a new stadium on the Gasômetro site.
The plan outlined under Rodolfo Landim's administration in mid-2024 projected purchasing the land for R$ 140 million and completing the arena by 2029, requiring loans for a project estimated at R$ 2 billion. Conversely, the alternative championed by Bap aims to build the stadium by 2036 after accumulating internal capital to avoid interest payments, while taking advantage of the remaining commercial operating period at the Maracanã.