São Paulo FC’s president, Julio Casares, is set to testify this Wednesday before the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) on Game Manipulation and Sports Betting. The session will begin at 11 am at the Federal Senate in Brasília.
READ MORE
++ Botafogo’s owner John Textor suspended for fiery comments after game loss
++ Textor’s request to ban referees during match-fixing probe denied
++ John Textor tells Brazil Senate São Paulo players took bribes
Joining him will be José Perdiz de Jesus, president of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), and Ronaldo Botelho Piacente, the attorney general.
This testimony marks the continuation of the CPI’s investigation into allegations of match-fixing in Brazilian football.
The accusations center on a claim by John Textor, owner of SAF do Botafogo, alleging that last year, five São Paulo players manipulated the result of a match against Palmeiras, which São Paulo lost 5-0.
Textor, who testified last month, stated that the manipulation was “100% confirmed” by experts and artificial intelligence, though no evidence has been presented publicly.
Casares has strongly denied Textor’s allegations, describing them as reckless. He has asserted that São Paulo is pursuing legal actions through the STJD, both in civil and criminal jurisdictions.
As the CPI resumes, the sports world is keenly watching for outcomes that could significantly impact Brazilian football’s integrity.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the first five episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
