An Internacional fan paid nearly $200,000 so on-loan Flamengo player Rodinei could play against his parent club.
The 29-year-old was loaned out with an option to buy permanently in December 2019 but an agreement was made preventing him from playing against Flamengo, who he has made over 100 appearances for.
However, Rodinei would be allowed to feature if a sum of around $186,000 was paid and the Porto Alegre club received the sum from Maggi Scheffer, a wealthy farmer.
“Internacional this Friday received a 1 million real ($185,794.18) donation from Elusmar Maggi Scheffer,” the club said in a statement.
“The Colorado fan … signed an agreement that gives the club the money with no strings attached. Our sincerest thanks.”
Rodinei was therefore permitted to participate in Sunday’s huge top of the table clash in the Brazilian top flight, where Internacional were one point ahead going into the penultimate game of the campaign.
But things did not go according to plan. The right-back was sent off after 49 minutes at the Maracana for a dangerous tackle on former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender Filipe Luis.
An awful day for both Rodinei and the fan who splashed out big money so he could play.
Having been 1-0 up in the first half through an Edmilson penalty, Internacional lost 2-1 and looked to have spurned their best ever chance to end a 42-year wait for a league title.
Gabriel Barbosa notched the winner in the second half, with Flamengo now two points clear at the top going into the final game of the season on Thursday.
