Corinthians women demand fairness after Depay payout | OneFootball

A recent arrangement by Corinthians to settle part of a significant contractual debt owed to Memphis Depay has unsettled members of the club's women's squad, according to UOL. While the men's team moved to address what are described as millions in outstanding payments to Depay—specifically related to a clause entitling him to R$4.7 million for the club’s recent state championship triumph—the women’s side has been awaiting delayed bonus installments for their own successes in 2024.

The tension reportedly stems from a perception of unequal treatment between the two departments. Some current and former players have voiced frustration, privately expressing that the prioritization of the men’s payment obligations epitomizes a persistent lack of parity at the club. For them, the contrast between the expeditious handling of high-profile contractual debts in the men's squad and the prolonged delays in their own earned bonuses is emblematic of a systemic disregard for women's football.

Efforts to resolve the issue have been ongoing. Iris Sesso, the coordinator for Corinthians' women’s football, approached club executives two weeks ago to address the overdue payments. Following a meeting with the financial department, she stated: “This week I had a meeting with finance. So the idea now is that this is in the cash flow. We have two overdue installments and, according to finance, this will now be prioritized and put in place for payment.”

Despite promises, anxiety remains within the squad and among players who have recently left the club. UOL reports that at least three players—who wish to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals—are considering pursuing legal action if the situation is not promptly resolved. Plans are underway to file a case with authorities as soon as next week.

Sources also indicated that the club unilaterally imposed a payment installment plan on the women’s players, with little room for negotiation. The decision, it’s understood, was made during the previous administration due to an ongoing cash shortage.

Asked for comment, the players' legal representatives did not provide an official response at the time of reporting. The club, however, released a statement through acting president Osmar Stabile, emphasizing an “open channel of dialogue” between club leadership and Iris Sesso, and asserting, “We will take note of negotiations related to the deserved bonuses owed to the athletes so that financial commitments are met.”

The situation has triggered renewed debate among supporters and former players, particularly about the club’s distribution of resources and recognition for the women's team—who, as several fans observed, have delivered consistent silverware to the club. The episode has reignited calls for Corinthians to address long-standing structural imbalances between its football programs.

(Source: UOL)

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