Corinthians fans launched this Wednesday (27) a campaign to raise money to pay Caixa Econômica Federal for the financing of the Itaquera stadium. The crowdfunding was an idea from the organized Gaviões da Fiel and has the support of the club and the bank.
Donations are already being made by Pix, through the website www.doearenacorinthians.com.br. The amounts go directly to a specific Caixa account for paying for the arena – now called Neo Química Arena – and do not pass through the club. There is an independent fiscal commission monitoring the entire process.
Corinthians’ debt with Caixa relating to the stadium is around R$710 million. Therefore, the campaign set a goal of raising R$700 million. According to the president of Gaviões, Alexandre Domênio Pereira, it is possible to quickly achieve the objective.
“Due to the strength of the fans and the marketing numbers we studied, we believe we can pay off the debt in six months or even less,” Ale, as he is known, told Folha. “If 5 million fans donate R$20 per month, during the six months… You just have to do the calculation.”
Corinthians, Gaviões and Caixa had already signed a protocol of intentions in October and had been studying the technical details of the project. The platform was finally defined this month and inaugurated this Wednesday, at 7:10 pm, a reference to the club’s birth in 1910.
At the time of the signing, Caixa’s president, Carlos Vieira, stated that seeking solutions to pay for the arena is part of his duties. “Caixa is a bank that works to bring benefits to the community. President Lula’s guidance is always that we bring positive consequences.”
