In a significant setback for the Corinthians women's football team, the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) announced on Friday, May 9, 2025, that the Alfredo Schürig stadium, commonly known as Fazendinha, is prohibited from hosting night games due to serious lighting issues. This ruling comes after the stadium's inadequacies were glaringly highlighted during recent matches, most notably in the game against Grêmio for the Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino.
The FPF's decision stems from a report indicating that only 10 out of the 42 floodlights at the Fazendinha were operational, leaving 32 non-functional. The lighting problems became apparent during the Corinthians' match against Red Bull Bragantino, which was played at 18:00 on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. During the broadcast of that game, viewers were informed of the dire state of the stadium's lighting, prompting concerns over safety and game quality.
The FPF's Portaria number 116, signed by Marina Tranchitella, the director of security, infrastructure, and VAR, emphasizes that the Corinthians must find alternative venues for their night games until improvements are made and a satisfactory report is submitted. This ruling is particularly concerning as the Corinthians women's team has three scheduled night matches in the upcoming weeks: against Sport on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 21:00; against Taubaté on Wednesday, June 4, 2025; and against Flamengo on Saturday, June 6, 2025.
In April 2024, the Corinthians had already faced restrictions when they were banned from allowing fans into the Fazendinha due to a failure to renew their health and safety permits. At that time, the club had to take steps to rectify the situation to comply with the regulations set forth by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF).
As the situation stands, the Corinthians can still host their matches for the Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino at the Fazendinha, but their upcoming home game against Ferroviária on Sunday, May 11, 2025, will take place away from their usual venue, further complicating their schedule.
With the next match against Ferroviária set for 20:00 (Brasília time) and broadcast on Sportv, the Corinthians will need to navigate this challenging period carefully. The club's management is currently seeking solutions to address the lighting issues at the Fazendinha, with reports indicating that a specialized team was scheduled to visit the stadium on the same day the announcement was made.
The heavy rains that have battered the capital in recent months have been cited as a significant factor contributing to the lighting failures. With an aging lighting system, sections of the stadium's electrical network have been adversely affected, raising concerns about the safety and viability of hosting evening matches.
As the Corinthians prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus will undoubtedly be on resolving the lighting issues at the Fazendinha. The club's management is under pressure to ensure that the stadium meets the required standards to host night games, especially with the fans eager to support the team in their pursuit of success in both the Campeonato Paulista and Campeonato Brasileiro.
In the meantime, the team is gearing up for their match against Ferroviária, which promises to be a crucial encounter as they look to maintain their momentum in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The Corinthians will be hoping to secure a strong performance on the road, especially with the added pressure of finding a new home for their night games.
The situation surrounding the Fazendinha remains fluid, and fans will be keenly watching for updates on the club's efforts to rectify the lighting problems. The Corinthians have a rich history in Brazilian football, and their women's team has been a vital part of that legacy, making it imperative that they address these issues promptly to continue competing at the highest level.
As the Corinthians prepare for their next fixtures, the focus will also be on maintaining team morale and performance despite the off-field challenges. The players and coaching staff are committed to overcoming these obstacles, and with their eyes set on upcoming matches, the team will need to rally together as they navigate this tricky period.
In summary, the Corinthians women's team faces a challenging situation with the FPF's ruling on the Fazendinha, but they are determined to find solutions and continue their pursuit of excellence in Brazilian women's football. With a mix of determination and resilience, the Timão will look to rise above these challenges and keep their winning spirit alive.
