But now Christ the Redeemer has fled from the pool of souls. But nothing prevents it from being listed on the bidding table tomorrow, and being put up for sale to reduce debt and alleviate the financial crisis in Rio de Janeiro. The projected budget deficit for 2026 is nearly R$19 billion, the largest in five years.
For this reason, Claudio Castro – accused of abuse of political and economic power in his 2022 re-election campaign – had the brilliant idea of preparing, with the help of the Liberal Party seat in the Legislative Assembly, a special Black Friday, showcasing the Maracanã complex; The land on which Nilton Santos Stadium is located is leased to Botafogo; the historic Central do Brasil building; Américo Fontenelle bus station in the city centre. There are more than 60 properties in total liquidation, at low cost, as the governor leaves office.
Deputies consider it a white elephant, and the Maracana tops the list. What is certain is that after the 2014 World Cup renovation, which turned it into a simple arena, the old maraca is no longer there. But the stadium – listed by Ivan – remains an international symbol of the country, the fifth most visited by foreigners and, in the memory of football fans, the unforgettable stage for Pele, Garrincha, Rivelino, Zico, Roberto Dynamite and a host of stars.
There is a buyer favorite: Flamingo. Everything was more or less agreed at a meeting between the club president and the president of Allerg, Rodrigo Basilar, candidate for governor of Rio in 2026. Friend’s price: R$2 billion. There is no more talk about it.
Flamengo’s proposal to build a stadium on the Gasometer site will rise to the surface, which was negotiated with Mayor Eduardo Paes, who is also a candidate for Guanabara Palace. There are still those who repeat the truism that football has nothing to do with politics.
There is just one detail, which seems to have been forgotten. They were no match for Fluminense, who coaches the Maracanã with Flamengo. The concession contract is valid for another 20 years.
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