Find out the main promises of Mateusz Montenegro, the new president of Fluminense

Mateusz Montenegro is the new president of Fluminense. The current candidate won last Saturday in the headquarters of Larangeiras, in a dispute with Adhemar Aris, from the opposition, and will be Mario Bettencourt’s successor. Among his main campaign promises are the SAF project, the concession and sale of the Maracanã naming rights, and the revitalization of Laranjeiras.

Mateus was the prime mover of the current administration to pitch the SAF proposal led by BTG and shaped by a group of tricolor investors. The project was halted specifically due to the election period, but the idea is that it will resume shortly after this period.

Fluminense receives an offer from investors to create a SAF – Photo: Fluminense/Disclosure

Expectations are an initial contribution of R$500 million, of which R$250 million in cash and the other installment within two years – with an amount not yet determined to reduce part of the debt, which totaled R$871 million at the end of 2024. In an interview with Toca e Passa, the GLOBO video broadcast, Mateus stated that there is a desire to increase this amount. Investors expect a minimum total of R$6.4 billion in football spending for the club over a decade.

The director, in turn, stressed that the annual investment is not necessarily 640 million Brazilian riyals from the beginning, as it will start with approximately 480 million Brazilian riyals, and over ten years, it will gradually grow until it reaches an average close to the total value. For this to happen, investors rely on an increase in revenue collection to increase actors’ salaries and receive more prizes.

In the event of non-compliance with the agreements, one of the penalties stipulated in the proposal is the immediate cessation of receipt of dividends. On the other hand, Matthews believes that other penalties must be discussed to ensure planning security.

Maracanã concession and naming rights

In partnership with Flamengo, Fluminense will, in 2024, win the Maracana franchise for 20 years. Aware of the Allerg bill that would allow the sale of underutilized or loss-making assets to the state, Matthews believes that the stadium does not fit into this situation, but, at the same time, he states that the club is interested in participating in a possible auction.

In partnership with Flamengo, Fluminense wins the Maracanã franchise - Photo: Lucas Merson / Fluminense Club — In partnership with Flamengo, Fluminense wins the Maracanã franchise – Photo: Lucas Merson / Fluminense Club

Regarding the sale of the Maracanã naming rights, there are ongoing negotiations and the exchange of confidential documents so that the winning company can be announced soon. It is estimated that the operation generates revenues of R$55 million annually.

Revitalizing orange trees

Sidi das Laranjeiras, Fluminense – Photography: Nelson Pérez

The idea is to rebuild the social area from “scratch” and revitalize the stadium, in a way that meets all the requirements of the competent authorities, since the property is listed. The priority is to host grassroots and women’s games, but there is also the possibility of holding professional matches on the site with the approval of the Residents’ Association and other parties involved in the process. The cost is estimated at more than 200 million Brazilian riyals.