Flamengo, Palmeiras and Botafogo demonstrate how solid administrative practices can turn clubs into real models of success, but reality is still marked by irresponsible decisions
The beginning of a new season is always marked by high expectations, both in the lawns and behind the scenes. However, frequent behavior of the leaders draws attention: millionaire hiring performed even when clubs face serious financial difficulties. These hires, even given financial difficulties, raise questions about the civil liability of managers, especially when they compromise the financial health and future of the institutions they manage. On the other hand, successful examples show how a professional and transparent administration can turn clubs into efficiency and competitiveness models.
Professional management, transparent and responsible is indispensable for football clubs to stand out in the national and international scenario. Examples such as Flamengo, Palmeiras e Botafogo They demonstrate how solid administrative practices can turn clubs into real success models. THE Flemishwith a administration focused on financial planning, governance and increase in revenues, won significant titles such as the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Cup and the Brazilian Championship.
Palm treesin turn, it reached national and international titles by combining strategic investments, strengthening the grassroots categories and highly professionalized management, also ensuring financial solidity. Already the Botafogowhen adopting the model of PAINT SOCIETY OF FOOTBALL (SAF)attracted investors and, with efficient restructuring, won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in 2024. These cases not only prove the effectiveness of good management practices, but also offer a model that can inspire other clubs to follow the same path.
Despite advances in some clubs, the Brazilian reality is still marked by irresponsible administrative decisions. Millionaire hiring, often disproportionate to the club’s financial reality, are one of the most recurring examples. Justified as strategies for achieving immediate sports results, these practices often result in excessive indebtedness, compromising the institution’s sustainability and competitiveness in the medium and long term.
From the point of view legalsuch conduct tend to be configured as Fear Management or irresponsibleespecially when there is no technical justification or adequate financial planning. In this sense, Brazilian law establishes the possibility of civil liability of the leaders, who may be responsible for the damage caused to the entities they administer. Managers have legal duties that include the diligencewhich requires informed, careful and based decisions based on careful analysis; the loyaltywhich determines the performance always in the best interest of the club, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing institutional sustainability; and the transparencywhich imposes the obligation to be accountable clearly and accessible, ensuring that all management acts are duly substantiated and justified.
Violation of these duties can generate the legal liability of the leaders, as provided for in the Civil codewhich establishes liability for neglect, recklessness or bad faith; in Pelé Lawwhich reinforces transparency and accountability; and in Lei yes safwhich creates more rigid mechanisms of control and inspection.
The consequences of irresponsible management in soccer clubs are broad and go beyond immediate finance. In the field financialPoorly planned decisions can lead to a significant increase in indebtedness, making it difficult to comply with wages, taxes and other commitments. The loss of credit in the market also reduces the chances of debt financing or renegotiations in favorable conditions, further aggravating the economic situation of the institution. In the aspect sportyadministrative neglect compromises the club’s ability to compete at a high level.
The lack of resources limits investments in hiring, infrastructure and grassroots categories, essential for consistent results. This reduces the attraction of quality players and the development of internal talent, negatively impacting the team’s technical performance and can lead to lowering or campaigns below expectations. In the dimension reputationalthe damage is equally significant.
Management problems affect the club’s credibility in the face of sponsors, investors and fans, driving away business partners and making new investments difficult. The perception of administrative instability weakens the club’s brand, compromising revenues from contracts, box office, partner and licensed products. In addition, the shaken confidence of fans directly affects the emotional relationship with the club.
Brazilian football is a cultural and economic heritage of enormous potential. For clubs to prosper, it is essential that administrative decisions will be made responsibly and committed to financial sustainability. More than seeking immediate results, it is essential to preserve the sports and cultural heritage of clubs, ensuring that future generations inherit a strong, competitive and sustainable football. The professionalization of management and the responsibility of the leaders are fundamental pillars to transform the sports scenario, following the global evolution and ensuring more modern and sustainable football.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the young Pan.
