Corinthians enfrenta Cuiabá em meio a conflito nos bastidores do futebol

Raniel was hired by Corinthians in January of this year. Corinthians will face Cuiabá this Monday (28th) at 7pm (Brasília time) for the Brasileirão. The match will take place at the Arena Pantanal in the capital of Mato Grosso. In case of victory, Timão will leave the relegation zone. With 32 points, the alvinegro club occupies the 18th position in the table. Timão is four points behind Cuiabá, the second-to-last team. In case of victory, Ramón Díaz's team surpasses Juventude, Bragantino, and Athletico Paranaense. The closeness in the standings has turned Corinthians and Cuiabá into direct rivals in the Brasileirão. Off the field, the rivalry between the teams is intense behind the scenes. Timão has an outstanding debt with Cuiabá for the hiring of Raniel in January of this year. The transfer value was set at 2.5 million euros, to be paid in four installments. Up to now, the alvinegro club has only made the payment of the first installment, in the amount of 800 thousand euros, in January. The second installment, stipulated at 400 thousand euros, expired at the beginning of August. Corinthians still needs to make the payment of the third installment, in the same amount of 400 thousand euros, with a due date of November 30. The last one is scheduled for July 2025, for 900 thousand euros. Amid the delays in fulfilling the commitment, Corinthians continued to be active in the market. Timão hired several players in the mid-year transfer window, including the high-profile Memphis Depay, who will receive around R$ 70 million until 2026, including salaries, bonuses, and benefits. The sponsor, Esportes da Sorte, pays 80% of the Dutchman's salary.

Cristiano Dresch, president of Cuiabá, made strong statements contesting Corinthians' management. At the beginning of the month, the president of the Mato Grosso club stated that Timão is "committing a fraud in Brazilian football". Fred Luz, CEO of Corinthians, responded to the criticisms of the Cuiabá president. The Corinthians' leader acknowledges that the club has outstanding debts with Monday's opponent, however, he said there was an exaggeration in Cristiano Dresch's statements and that the debts will be paid, but not within the established deadline.

Corinthians and Cuiabá face a duel of opposites in the Brasileirão. Timão is the worst visiting team in the Brasileirão. In 15 games, there were 11 losses, three draws, and only one victory. On the other hand, Cuiabá is the second worst home team in the tournament, with three wins, five draws, and seven losses playing at their own ground.