Corinthians rocked by fan-led 'revolution' at club HQ | OneFootball

The headquarters of Corinthians was the scene of heavy protest on Tuesday, as hundreds of members from the club's major organized fan groups—including Gaviões da Fiel, Camisa 12, Pavilhão Nove, Estopim da Fiel, Coringão Chopp, and Fiel Macabra—gathered at Parque São Jorge to demand sweeping change in the club's governance. The coordinated action resulted in fans pushing through security at the main gates, displaying a banner reading "In mourning! Closed due to mismanagement," and temporarily locking down parts of the club complex.

Despite no reports of physical violence, the episode was marked by significant tension. Employees, particularly women working on the administrative floor, reported feeling unsafe and locked themselves in offices until the arrival of police units, who then remained on the scene until protesters left—about an hour after the initial incursion.

The fan groups issued a joint statement labeling the protest a "corinthian revolution" and an act of resistance against "amateur, elitist, and incompetent" club management, which, in their view, has left Corinthians mired in debts and scandals. Their central demands included granting Fiel Torcedor members the right to vote in club elections, immediate statutory changes, and punishment for those responsible for the club's financial situation.

In a related speech, Gaviões da Fiel president Alexandre Domênico Pereira insisted the movement supports neither current interim president Osmar Stabile nor suspended president Augusto Melo, framing the protests as rooted solely in defense of the club. "We're not with anyone. We're with Corinthians," he stated, adding that the club needs urgent reforms and encouraging broader supporter involvement.

The reaction from club leadership was divided. Interim president Osmar Stabile downplayed the events, describing them as "dialogue" rather than an invasion. "Those who want to be president of Corinthians need to know this is normal," Stabile said, maintaining his openness to receiving demands and promising to step up security at the youth academy—particularly to restrict access from agents, a longstanding point of contention.

Romeu Tuma Jr., president of the club's Deliberative Council, criticized the manner of the protest. He acknowledged the validity of many fan grievances, including changes to the club's statute, but argued that "no cause justifies actions that break the law, endanger the safety—especially of children and members—or violate club norms." He emphasized that dialogue, rather than confrontation, is the proper method for effecting change.

Commentators and former officials expressed skepticism about the efficacy and consistency of the organized fans' involvement, citing past alignment with various club administrations. Journalist Juca Kfouri observed that while true reform is needed, it cannot be achieved through these means. Rodrigo Mattos questioned the role of Gaviões in the club's political ecosystem, noting their historical integration and ongoing financial links with Corinthians.

The protest comes on the heels of another, more chaotic episode over the weekend, when Augusto Melo, suspended by the Deliberative Council, attempted to retake the presidency by force, prompting condemnation from a broad cross-section of club officials.

Amid escalating internal disputes and mounting fan unrest, Corinthians faces growing pressure to address both its governance and on-field fortunes, with club elections and further reforms looming on the horizon.

Source: UOL, Globo