Fluminense’s season debut in the 2024 season has been postponed to February 7th as they continue their extended break following their participation in the Club World Cup. According to the regulations set by FERJ, teams are required to field their main squads starting from the fourth round of the competition. However, exceptions can be made for valid reasons, which Fluminense has been granted.
The team took part in the Club World Cup at the end of 2023, which resulted in a longer playing time compared to their rivals. As a result, they required at least one month of rest, causing a delay in their return. The players are expected to resume training on January 23rd, while the fourth round would have already taken place on January 28th. Therefore, the likelihood of the main squad being fielded is on February 7th, in the seventh round. Here is the relevant part of the regulation:
— Any club that, without a valid reason recognized by FERJ’s Disciplinary Court, fails to field their main squad after the 4th Round of the Taça Guanabara will lose the entirety of their minimum fixed broadcasting rights fee from the collective contract. If the club has already received or is not entitled to said fee, they will be required to pay a fine equivalent to the minimum fee established for one of the participating big clubs, which will be distributed among the other clubs participating in the championship and signatories of the collective broadcasting contract — the article states.