Conmebol Fines Flamengo R$ 201,000 for Libertadores Infractions
The Brazilian club faces multiple penalties following their semifinal match against Estudiantes.
1Multiple Penalties Imposed
The South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, issued four distinct fines to Flamengo on Monday, November 9, 2026. These sanctions, totaling 36,000 US dollars or 201,000 Brazilian reais, stem from various regulatory breaches during the Copa Libertadores semifinal match against the Argentine club Estudiantes, which resulted in Flamengo's elimination from the tournament.
2Unauthorized Uniform Slogan
One specific penalty of 8,000 dollars was triggered by a protest slogan displayed on the team's jerseys. The phrase 'Proibir não é proteger' criticized the ban on online betting platforms. Conmebol cited section 5.8.3 of its 2026 Club Manual, which mandates that all messages on uniforms require prior written authorization from the governing body.
3Fan Conduct Violations
Supporter behavior accounted for a significant portion of the total financial penalties. The use of pyrotechnic devices, such as flares, resulted in a 15,000 dollar fine. Additionally, the use of laser pointers by fans during the match led to a separate 5,000 dollar penalty, reflecting the organization's strict stance on stadium safety protocols.
4Media Obligation Breach
Flamengo was also fined 8,000 dollars for failing to adhere to post-match interview requirements. According to section 7.3.4.1 of the Libertadores manual, clubs must provide players for interviews with official broadcast rights holders. The failure to comply with these media obligations was deemed a direct violation of the tournament's established operational rules.
5Additional Administrative Warnings
Beyond the monetary fines, the club received a formal warning regarding the improper use of vests by personnel. While this specific infraction did not carry an additional financial penalty, Conmebol indicated that any future recurrence of these or similar regulatory breaches could lead to significantly more severe disciplinary actions against the Brazilian football organization.
6Financial Settlement Mechanism
The total amount of 36,000 dollars will not be paid directly by the club through standard invoicing. Instead, Conmebol will automatically deduct the fines from the revenue distributions owed to Flamengo, specifically targeting the club's share of broadcast rights or sponsorship payments managed by the confederation for the current tournament cycle.
7Context of the Protest
Flamengo began wearing the controversial slogan on October 8 during a match against Santos in the Brazilian Championship. The message replaced the branding of Betano, a betting company that previously sponsored the club. This shift highlights the tension between professional football clubs and the regulatory environment surrounding the online gambling industry.
8Tournament Outcome Impact
The match against Estudiantes ended in a 0-0 draw during regulation time, with Flamengo eventually losing the penalty shootout. This defeat ended their Libertadores campaign, allowing the Argentine side to advance to the final against Palmeiras. These disciplinary actions serve as a final administrative chapter for Flamengo in the 2026 competition.
Original article: Poder360 — Conmebol Fines Flamengo R$ 201,000 for Libertadores Infractions