Queda na sul-americana pode afetar finanças do Corinthians

Memphis during the match between Corinthians and Racing (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP). The match against Racing this Thursday (31) can secure Corinthians an unprecedented spot in the final of the Copa Sudamericana and is crucial for the club's financial planning for the next season. In addition to ending a title drought that has been going on since 2019 (Paulistão), the triumph would provide the opportunity to compete in two other competitions in 2025: Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. The biggest knockout tournament of clubs in Brazil ensures the champion a prize of R$ 93.1 million - if all stages are disputed. The continental competition pays fixed $31.25 million (R$ 180 million), plus $330,000 (R$ 1.9 million) per victory in the group stage. To have a full schedule and increase cash flow, Corinthians needs to eliminate Racing away from home. The clash takes place at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at El Cilindro, for the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana. The first leg, played at Neo Química, ended in a 2-2 draw.

After the goalless draw in Itaquera, Corinthians was eliminated by Flamengo in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. The ten matches played in the current edition guaranteed R$ 22.8 million to the coffers of the Sao Paulo club, not counting the box office revenue. However, with the elimination, Corinthians missed out on at least R$ 31.5 million, the amount destined for the second-placed team. The champion receives R$ 73.5 million.

In the Sudamericana, the club has already earned approximately R$ 20 million in the competition. Qualifying for the final can guarantee an additional $6 million (R$ 34.6 million) in case of a title. To achieve that, they need to defeat Racing in Buenos Aires; a new draw takes the decision to penalties. On the other side of the bracket, Cruzeiro and Lanús compete for the other spot. The final of the competition is scheduled for November 23rd in Asunción, Paraguay.