Despite the billions of debt and the proposal that provides for popular participation, the majority of the Deliberative Council is against change
Despite the debt estimated at R$ 2.7 billion and the recent presentation of the SAFiel project, the idea of transforming Corinthians into a Football Anonymous Society (SAF) encounters strong internal resistance. In the Deliberative Council, the body that would have to approve any structural changes, the majority of members are against the proposal.
The club currently has 200 three-year and 99 lifetime councilors, and the predominant sentiment among them is rejection of the SAF. Opposition to the model is not only based on economic issues, but also on historical and identity values. Many councilors believe that Corinthians, born as a popular club, “cannot be put up for sale”, as some of them define.
Among those who oppose the idea, there are those who argue that the crisis must be addressed with better management, austerity and administrative efficiency, without resorting to corporate transformations. Others believe that the SAF is not necessary at this time and that the club can overcome the current financial landscape by maintaining its membership structure.
Furthermore, there is political fear that the adoption of a SAF could reduce the decision-making power of traditional groups within Parque São Jorge.
Statute reform reduces SAF’s chances at Corinthians
This resistance is also reflected in the draft statute reform. The new text, while paving the way for a future transformation into SAF, prevents external investors from taking majority control of the entity. Thus preserving the administration under the responsibility of the members. For the creators of SAFiel, this obstacle makes the realization of the project practically unfeasible.
The creators recognize the difficulty of carrying forward the debate, even with the model that involves the participation of fans as shareholders, without the figure of an “owner”.
“If there are new obstacles, more difficulties, I’m sorry if this happens. The only certainty for all of us here is that, as it is, we will not survive another year or two,” said Eduardo Salousse, a lawyer and one of the four creators of the project.
On Wednesday, SAFiel representatives went to Parque São Jorge and delivered a letter of intent to presidents Osmar Stabile (board) and Romeu Tuma Jr. (Deliberative Council). The meeting lasted about three hours and allowed the directors to clarify doubts and promise new internal meetings with members.
Stabile’s absence at the official launch of the project, which took place the day before, was criticized by councilor Miriam Athie. In fact, you are one of the few defenders of SAFiel in the Council.
“I am very sad that the president is not here. Those who criticize this project have nothing better to offer. I would like a counter-proposal to come. So that we can say that we should not join SAFiel,” said Miriam, who was present at the event together with long-time councilor Manoel Cintra.
For now the SAFiel project remains a symbolic proposal, which seeks to open the debate, but does not yet have concrete prospects of approval within the club.
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Source: Terra
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