Corinthians Back in Serie A

By: Daryl | October 27th, 2008

Big news in Brazil this week: Corinthians are back in the top flight. Or at least they will be next season after securing promotion with this 2-0 win over Ceara at home with goals from Douglas and Chicao.

How Corinthians found themselves down in Serie B is pretty depressing tale of business meets football. There’s probably more to it than I realize, but here’s the basic plot.

Corinthians – one of Brazil’s best supported clubs – were in some financial trouble back in 2005 and so signed a controversial deal ~~with the devil~~ with Media Sports Investments. The deal saw MSI invest some cash in exchange for some influence (and apparently 51% of profits) and brought players like Carlos Tevez and Javier Maschernao to Corinthians.

There was plenty of arguing between MSI and Corinthians management and enough new coaches to make Spurs look stable, but there was a Brazilian championship in ‘05.

Then it all went wrong. Tevez and Mascherano famously left for West Ham (which is a whole ‘nother story) and the MSI investments dried up, and Corinthians struggled on with signings from lower leagues before being relegated in 2007. From champions to relegated in two years.

But that horrible year for Corinthians fans is now in the past. The club voted to sever ties with MSI in 2007, and then put in a good shift in Serie B, confirming promotion this week by beating Ceara 2-0 at home. They haven’t won the Serie B title yet, but they’re guaranteed promotion.

How do you think Corinthians fans feel about this? Get an eyeful of the excellent photos and videos of the ~~Estádio Parque São~~ celebrations at the Pacaembu stadium on Brazil Offside.