Minister of Justice determines that an inquiry be opened in the case of betting mafias

This Wednesday (10), the Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, asked the Federal Police to open an investigation into the case of possible manipulations in Brazilian football.

“Faced with evidence of manipulation of results in sports competitions, with interstate and even international repercussions, I am determining today that an Inquiry be instituted at the Federal Police for the legally applicable investigations”said the Minister of Justice.

The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, had requested through a letter to the Ministry of Justice asking that the Federal Police investigate the case, after revelation of the complaint by the Public Ministry of Goiás.

_{CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro Photo: Lucas Figueiredo/CBF}

In a note, the CBF stated:

“With regard to the suspected involvement of athletes from clubs in series A and B of the 2022 Brazilian Championship, in possible acts of manipulation of match results, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) informs that the president of the entity, Ednaldo Rodrigues, sent an official letter to the Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Justice, requesting that the Federal Police be involved in the case, with the aim of centralizing all information regarding the cases under investigation. The CBF, in turn, will be available to provide all the necessary support.
The CBF also points out that there is no possibility of the current competition being suspended. And it has been working together with FIFA and other international spheres for a standard investigation model. It is worth remembering that the entity, which is also a victim of these possible criminal acts, has not, until now, been officially informed by the authorities about the facts”, concludes.

As published by Veja magazine, the Public Ministry will analyze at least 20 matches, including games from series A and B of the 2022 Brazilian Championship, in addition to clashes from regional competitions held in 2023.

In the situations under investigation, these are bets involving bids that result in punishments with yellow and red cards, as well as committing penalties. Teams and betting companies are considered as victims.

Main image: Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino determines that an inquiry be initiated. Photo: Valter Campanato, Brazil Agency