The financial landscape for América-MG continues to be precarious as the club confirmed a delay in the payment of salaries to its professional players this month. Originally scheduled for payment on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the salaries were not processed, leaving players in a state of uncertainty. The club has assured that the delay is only for a day and is actively working on a financial operation to secure the necessary funds to resolve this situation by next week.
América-MG, currently competing in the Brazilian Série B, finds itself in 10th place with nine points as it strives to return to the elite of Brazilian football. The club has been grappling with financial difficulties since last year, which have been exacerbated by its elimination from both the Copa do Brasil and the Série B for the second consecutive year. This unfortunate outcome has led to a significantly reduced budget for the 2025 season.
According to reports, the management at América-MG is treating the salary delay with a sense of calm, indicating a strategic approach to the club's financial issues. The president of the board has previously admitted to the club's financial struggles and emphasized the need for new revenue streams, including the sale of players in the upcoming transfer window.
Fred Cascardo, the director of football, spoke candidly about the challenges facing the club. “This was the biggest challenge when we started planning the season. The conviction that drastic changes would have to happen was a necessity imposed by the reality of the 2024 season. Now, we have to be skillful and careful,” he stated in an interview with No Ataque.
América-MG's current strategy includes making careful hiring decisions, focusing on acquiring players either through loans or signing those without contracts. This approach reflects the club's attempt to minimize expenses while still aiming for a successful season.
The financial difficulties have not only affected player salaries but have also led to a reevaluation of the overall team structure. Cascardo noted, “When we did not achieve promotion, which was the main goal of the 2024 season, we understood that drastic changes had to occur. The reduction of payroll and logistics was a necessity. We must take a step back but still keep the same objective of accessing Série A.”
As the club navigates these turbulent waters, the focus remains on stabilizing its financial situation while attempting to improve its performance on the pitch. The upcoming week is crucial, as América-MG hopes to secure the necessary funds to fulfill its salary obligations and continue its quest for promotion.
Meanwhile, in a related financial matter, Atlético-MG is dealing with its own issues as it reportedly owes R$ 140,000 to goalkeeper Matheus Mendes. This amount corresponds to signing bonuses and performance awards for Mendes, who is currently on loan to América-MG until the end of the year. The situation underscores the broader financial challenges facing clubs in Brazilian football.
As the situation develops, both América-MG and Atlético-MG will need to find solutions to their financial dilemmas while keeping the focus on their respective campaigns in the Brazilian leagues. The coming days will be critical as América-MG works to ensure that player salaries are paid and that the club can stabilize its finances moving forward.
