The 2026 Series A tournament could set a historic record in Brazilian football: up to six clubs will be able to play on artificial turf. With access to Atlético PR and Chapecoense, the national elite will have 30% of teams playing matches on an artificial surface, an unprecedented number in the competition.
- Sabalenka She breaks the record and has the most profitable season in women’s tennis history
Currently, Palmeiras (Allianz Parque), Botafogo (Nilton Santos) and Atletico MG (Arena MRV) are already using the system. If Atletico (Arena da Baixada) and Chapecoense (Arena Conda) are confirmed promoted, the group will increase. Vasco, which is expected to host matches at Nilton Santos during Sao Januario’s renovations, will also contribute to increasing the number of matches played on artificial pitches.
However, the growth of this technology is reigniting debate about its impact on the performance of athletes and the finances of clubs. The debate gained new momentum after Flamengo issued, on Monday evening, a document entitled “Financial Fair Play”, proposing the end of artificial pitches in the country and restrictions on clubs in judicial recovery.
In the text sent to the Brazilian Confederation, the club says: “Plastic pitches must be removed immediately from all professional national championships. The discrepancy in maintenance costs between natural and artificial pitches causes financial imbalances between clubs and harms the physical health of players and athletes.”
The issue was discussed at a meeting held by the union on Monday, which also addressed topics such as the semi-automatic handicap.
While Flamengo and some athletes maintain their resistance to artificial turf, experts defend its use as a viable and sustainable solution. According to Sergio Schildt, president of Ricoma, the company responsible for projects in sports arenas, the maintenance cost of natural turf is ten times higher than that of artificial turf.
— Artificial turf can be a viable solution for many clubs, especially in areas with harsh weather and tight schedules. Schildt explains that the initial investment ranges from 7 to 9 million riyals, but maintenance is much cheaper.
In addition to the cost, the expert points out that the quality of natural grass in many Brazilian stadiums does not guarantee uniformity of the game, especially in government stadiums. He adds that the greater use of the stadium for shows and events directly affects the natural grass, which loses its quality at crucial stages.
About The Author
