Corinthians juggle financial storm as derby looms | OneFootball

Corinthians welcomed an important guest on Tuesday morning as CBF president Samir Xaud visited the club's training facility, CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, where the Brazil national team was holding a session. The club's football executive, Fabinho Soldado, represented the Timão during the visit, which was acknowledged by the club's official channels.

Fabinho's role in club matters has been prominent in recent days. Just a day before hosting the CBF president, he was in Rio de Janeiro to attend the Copa do Brasil round of 16 draw, where Corinthians learned they would face arch-rivals Palmeiras in a highly anticipated two-legged tie. This pairing revives the classic derby on the national knockout stage, bringing additional intrigue and pressure to a club already dealing with on-pitch inconsistencies and off-pitch financial concerns.

Fabinho recently commented on the club's transfer strategy amid reports of mounting financial difficulties. He emphasized the intention to keep key players like striker Yuri Alberto, citing, “We don't have anything concrete for us to sit and discuss,” regarding any approaches for their top scorer. He described maintaining the group and reinforcing it as a priority, despite supporter frustrations following a goalless draw with Vitória that underlined the team's attacking struggles.

Corinthians' cooperation with the CBF extends beyond administrative protocol. Hosting the Brazil squad during the international window reflects the club's active role in football affairs, even as head coach Dorival Júnior grapples with squad absences and injuries. Six Corinthians players are away with national teams, while important squad members, including Yuri Alberto and Gustavo Henrique, remain sidelined due to injury.

Meanwhile, FIFA has ordered Corinthians to settle a €1 million debt to Shakhtar Donetsk over unpaid loan fees for midfielder Maycon, putting further strain on the club's finances and raising the prospect of restrictions on registering players if not resolved soon.

In addition to preparations for pivotal fixtures, the club is set to celebrate its history, announcing a special legends’ friendly next month at Pacaembu to mark the anniversary of the 2012 Libertadores final against Boca Juniors.

As the club navigates this period—hosting the Seleção, managing financial challenges, and readying for a high-stakes clássico—it remains to be seen how off-pitch alliances and decisions will impact the stability and performance of Dorival’s squad in the weeks ahead.

Source: UOL