Brazil’s government faces public outrage after announcing plans to sell the iconic Maracana Stadium to help settle Rio de Janeiro’s £1.7 billion debt.
Brazil’s iconic Maracana Stadium, host of two World Cup finals, is being put up for sale as Rio de Janeiro battles a massive debt crisis.
The State of Rio de Janeiro has announced plans to sell the legendary Maracana Stadium to help repay its £1.7 billion debt to the Brazilian government, which is due in 2026.
According to Marca, the stadium—considered the “crown jewel” of Brazilian football—is among the state’s most valuable assets included in a revised bill presented by the executive branch. Of the 48 public properties initially listed for sale, 16 were removed and 30 added, including the iconic ground.
Rodrigo Amorim, president of the commission overseeing the process, said the stadium costs the state around £140,000 per match. He also claimed a sale “would lead to a profit north of £279 million for Rio.”
However, the proposal has drawn widespread backlash across Brazil, with critics calling it an insult to the stadium’s historic legacy.
Built in 1950, the Maracana has hosted two World Cup finals and serves as home to Brazilian giants Flamengo and Fluminense. It currently holds 78,838 seats after three major renovations between 1999 and 2013.