Manuel Belmar Leaves Globo After Controversial World Cup Decision
The finance executive's departure is linked to the decision not to acquire all World Cup rights
Manuel Belmar, responsible for Globo's finances and head of Globoplay, was dismissed from the company on Thursday, September 3. The dismissal is directly related to the strategy adopted for the 2026 World Cup, which left the broadcaster without exclusive rights to the matches.
Decision to Relinquish World Cup Exclusivity
According to reports, Globo chose to broadcast only half of the World Cup matches, allowing CazéTV and YouTube to secure the majority of the games. The decision aimed to reduce acquisition costs for the rights but ultimately generated higher viewership for competitors.
Consequences for Globoplay
In addition to the loss of sports viewership, the strategy also impacted the broadcaster's streaming service. Belmar had announced last year that Globoplay had reached a break-even point between expenses and revenues, but recent financial statements indicate stagnation and a potential return to the red. The agreement with the operator Claro, which offered the platform free to subscribers, did not bring a significant increase in revenue.
Internal Repercussions and the “Game of Thrones” at Globo
Belmar's departure is part of a larger movement within Globo's upper echelons, described as a “Red Wedding.” President Paulo Marinho is expected to confirm, in a live broadcast, the dismissal of Belmar and Manuel Falcão, Director of Brand and Communication. The changes are attributed to reports from advisor Carlos Henrique Schroder, who has the approval of Roberto Marinho's children.
Other Executives Also Targeted
In addition to Belmar, the company is expected to dismiss Pedro Garcia, responsible for negotiating sports rights, and Paulo Tonet Camargo, Vice President of Institutional Relations. These decisions reflect the need to reevaluate content strategy and the health of the Globo brand, which has faced internal criticism regarding its image.
Impact of the Decision on the Media Industry
The lack of exclusivity for the World Cup allowed CazéTV to gain prominence, solidifying its position as a strong new competitor. This situation highlights how choices regarding broadcast rights can influence the positioning of major media groups in the Brazilian digital market.
With information from Notícias da TV, VEJA, Terra.
Source: Notícias da TV, VEJA, Terra