On the morning of July 10, 2025, Corinthians announced a sanction against striker Memphis Depay for his unjustified absence from the previous day’s training at CT Joaquim Grava in São Paulo. The decision followed a meeting with interim president Osmar Stabile, football executive Fabinho Soldado, and coach Dorival Júnior, where the Dutch player explained his absence and confirmed his desire to stay with the club. The measure comes at a delicate moment, marked by delayed salary payments and a R$6.1 million debt to Depay himself, related to image rights and bonuses for the 2025 Paulista Championship title. The situation highlights the financial challenges faced by the club, which is striving to maintain squad stability for the Brazilian Championship’s return.
The absence of the number 10 surprised the board, especially as it coincided with payment issues, such as delays in players’ salaries and security services. The case sparked debates among fans, but the club’s swift response, with an official statement, aimed to curb the backlash.
- Key developments in the case:
- Sanction applied without disclosed details.
- Meeting with the board for clarifications.
- Depay’s commitment to Corinthians reaffirmed.
Meeting at CT Joaquim Grava clarifies situation
On Thursday, Memphis Depay attended CT Joaquim Grava for a meeting with club leaders. He provided reasons for his absence, though Corinthians did not disclose details. Before training, he joined a team huddle, a gesture aimed at easing any tension. The board considered the matter resolved, emphasizing the Dutchman’s intent to remain with the team.
The sanction, according to reports, follows the club’s internal protocol for disciplinary issues, which may include fines or formal warnings. The quick response reflects the priority of maintaining team harmony, especially with the Brazilian Championship set to resume on July 13 against Red Bull Bragantino.
Financial crisis heightens club tensions
The incident with Memphis Depay is not isolated but part of a broader financial strain. Corinthians faced delays in June salary payments, settled a day late, and in remunerating services like Depay’s personal security. The interim management under Osmar Stabile, which took over after Augusto Melo’s suspension, grapples with accumulated debts and cash flow issues.
The club’s R$1 billion revenue in 2024 has not sufficed to cover short-term obligations like signing bonuses and prizes. Besides Depay, other players, such as Igor Coronado and Jonathan Cafu, are claiming owed amounts, totaling over R$110 million in liabilities. The board is banking on a R$50 million advance from Nike, expected in August, to ease finances.
Memphis Depay’s history at Corinthians
Since joining Corinthians in September 2024 after leaving Atlético de Madrid, Memphis Depay has become a key player. His signing, with no transfer fee, involved a high-cost contract valued at R$70 million, with 80% of his wages covered by sponsor Esportes da Sorte. On the pitch, the Dutchman has scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in 42 matches, contributing to the 2025 Paulista Championship title.
Off the field, Depay has boosted sales of jerseys and licensed products, establishing himself as a commercial asset. His partnership with Yuri Alberto, the 2024 Brazilian Championship top scorer, yielded 17 goals in nine matches as starters, strengthening the team’s attack.
- Depay’s contributions:
- 13 goals and 14 assists in 42 matches.
- 2025 Paulista Championship title.
- Commercial impact through jersey sales.
- Partnership with Yuri Alberto in attack.
Debts with Depay remain under negotiation
Before the squad’s return on June 28, Depay issued an extrajudicial notice to Corinthians, demanding R$4.7 million in Paulista bonuses and R$1.4 million in image rights. The image rights debt was settled in late June, but the bonus remains outstanding. The board is negotiating with the player’s representatives, though a lack of immediate funds complicates the process.
The financial strain also affects other commitments. The company handling Depay’s security faced payment delays, resolved only on Wednesday, the day of his absence. These issues underscore the need for urgent solutions to stabilize finances.
Fan and squad reactions
Depay’s absence sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some fans supported the sanction, while others feared his potential departure. Corinthians’ official statement, confirming his stay, calmed tensions, but financial issues remain a focal point of discussion.
Within the squad, the situation appears under control. The team huddle before Thursday’s training was seen as a leadership move by Depay, who addressed the issue with teammates. Coach Dorival Júnior, known for managing crises, is likely to keep the Dutchman as a starter for the upcoming match.
Preparation for Brazilian Championship return
With the issue resolved, Corinthians focuses on the Brazilian Championship’s return. The match against Red Bull Bragantino at Neo Química Arena marks the resumption after the Club World Cup break. Dorival Júnior has 17 days to fine-tune the team, aiming to solidify its league position and secure spots in tournaments like the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores.
Despite the incident, Depay remains a central figure in the tactical setup. His relationship with the coach seems unaffected, and his on-field leadership is valued by the staff. The club is also eyeing reinforcements in the transfer window, but prioritizing financial resolutions.
Other financial liabilities
Beyond Depay, other players are pursuing claims. Igor Coronado is negotiating a contract termination, demanding R$10 million in delayed signing bonuses. Jonathan Cafu, currently at Botafogo-SP, has a R$2.5 million lawsuit against Corinthians. These claims highlight the breadth of financial issues, spanning current and former players.
The board is exploring options, such as turning the club into a Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF), proposed by council members and figures like Ronaldo Fenômeno and Andrés Sanchez. The plan faces fan resistance and requires assembly approval.
- Players with claims:
- Igor Coronado: R$10 million in signing bonuses.
- Jonathan Cafu: R$2.5 million in lawsuit.
- Memphis Depay: R$4.7 million in bonuses.
Interim management faces pressure
Osmar Stabile’s temporary management must stabilize finances and maintain competitiveness. The Nike contract renewal and pursuit of new sponsors offer short-term relief, but a financial overhaul is critical. The August 9 assembly, discussing Augusto Melo’s impeachment, will shape the club’s future.
The financial crisis and player debts dominate internal politics, influencing strategic decisions. Depay’s confirmed stay is a relief, but his future depends on the club’s ability to meet financial obligations.
