Flamengo forced to rehire hero of Ninho fire after shock court ruling | OneFootball

Flamengo has been ordered to reinstate former security guard Benedito Ferreira and pay significant compensation following a labor court ruling, according to Lance. The decision stems from a case brought by Ferreira after his dismissal from the club in 2022.

Ferreira, who was involved in the rescue efforts during the tragic fire at the Ninho do Urubu training ground in February 2019, successfully argued that his subsequent mental health conditions—depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and panic disorder—were caused by his employment at Flamengo. A court-ordered expert report established a direct and contributing link between his health issues and his work at the club. The report made clear that Ferreira is “unfit with restrictions for the job he held at the defendant or any similar positions,” and that his medical condition arises “categorically” from his occupation.

The court determined that Flamengo's decision to terminate Ferreira was unlawful, noting the club was aware that he was undergoing medical treatment for the injury suffered in the line of duty. As a result, Flamengo has been instructed to reintegrate Ferreira into its staff within five days of the ruling.

In addition to reinstating Ferreira, Flamengo must pay him a total of approximately R$600,000, which includes R$100,000 in moral damages, R$500,000 for material damages, and a lifelong pension until the age of 78. The club retains the right to appeal, and its legal team is currently reviewing the sentence and considering next steps.

Ferreira’s involvement in the 2019 Ninho do Urubu fire, which claimed the lives of ten youth players, marked a particularly traumatic chapter in Flamengo’s recent history. His part in rescuing at least three people at the scene was highlighted in court documents.

The outcome increases scrutiny on Flamengo’s employment practices and responsibilities towards staff affected by workplace trauma. The club, now facing this legal setback, must weigh its response amid ongoing attention to the aftermath of the Ninho tragedy.

(Sources: Lance)

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