Libra Rebuts Flamengo's Claims Amid R$77 Million TV Revenue Dispute
A legal and financial dispute erupts between Flamengo and Libra over the distribution of R$77 million in TV revenue from the Brasileirão, highlighting tensions over equitable revenue sharing in Brazilian football.
- • Flamengo obtained a court order blocking R$77 million from TV revenue payments.
- • Libra accuses Flamengo of spreading misinformation and disrupting club dialogue.
- • The R$6 billion Globo broadcasting deal includes a revenue split: 40% equal distribution, 30% by position, 30% by audience.
- • Flamengo’s proposal to change revenue criteria to fan registrations was unanimously rejected.
- • Libra asserts the existing contract supports financial stability and collective interests.
Key details
Tensions have escalated between Flamengo and the Liga do Futebol Brasileiro (Libra) over the distribution of television broadcast revenue from the Brasileirão, following Flamengo's legal move to block a R$77 million payment from Globo's rights deal. This payment represents part of the R$6 billion broadcasting agreement Libra signed with Globo, covering 2025 to 2029. Flamengo's injunction seeks to alter how television revenue is divided among clubs, particularly objecting to the current criteria that allocate 40% of revenue equally among clubs, 30% based on finishing positions, and 30% on audience metrics.
Libra responded emphatically to Flamengo's accusations, issuing statements that accuse the club of spreading misinformation and obstructing constructive dialogue with other clubs. According to Libra, Flamengo's efforts to change the revenue distribution formula—from audience-based metrics to fan registrations—were rejected unanimously by the other Serie A clubs. Libra stressed that all member clubs, including Atlético-MG, Bahia, and Grêmio, deserve equal respect and fair treatment, and asserted that Brazilian football belongs to millions of fans, not any single team.
The dispute intensified as Libra contended that Flamengo's claim of guaranteed minimum revenue was unfounded because such guarantees would only apply if Libra managed the competition directly, while the current contract remains under the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Libra also highlighted that Flamengo's attempt to seek a court injunction without demonstrating urgency disrupted payment flows to other clubs, undermining collective agreements and financial stability.
This confrontation highlights broader issues in Brazilian football about equitable revenue sharing and club cooperation. Despite Flamengo's significant fan base and historical stature, Libra emphasized that the league's collective interest and sustainable development must take priority over any individual club's demands.