Club takeover turns into legal nightmare for Real Madrid forward | OneFootball

A recent report from SPORT has revealed that Vinicius Jr.’s business ambitions have hit a roadblock, preventing him from successfully acquiring a football club in Brazil.

The Real Madrid forward had set his sights on becoming the majority owner of Athletic Club de Sao Joao del Rei, a team that has experienced steady progress in recent years, earning consecutive promotions to reach Brazil’s Serie B.

However, his plans have been disrupted by a legal challenge from an Italian company, delaying the takeover.

What’s the story?

Vinicius had already taken significant steps to finalise the acquisition. Through ALL Agenciamento Esportivo—a company managed by his father and agent, Thassilo Soares—he secured a controlling stake in the management firm overseeing the Brazilian club.

Athletic Club de Sao Joao del Rei operates under the SAF (Sociedade Anonima do Futebol) structure, a model introduced by Brazilian law in 2021 to enable clubs to function as corporations, allowing investors to share in their profits.

Vinicius’ business ambitions have taken a hit. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This made the deal an attractive prospect, but it has now been halted due to legal action.

The issue arose when Tiberis Holding, an Italian investment group, challenged the transaction in the Court of Commercial and Arbitral Disputes in Sao Paulo.

What’s the problem?

The firm had previously invested in the club in 2023 and played a role in its recent success. They argue that Vinicius’ acquisition process bypassed their right of first refusal, violating shareholder agreements.

As a result, the takeover remains in limbo until the dispute is resolved.

Meanwhile, Vinicius is not limiting himself to Brazilian football. Recent reports from UOL indicate that the Real Madrid star is part of a group of investors from Brazil and Spain who have successfully completed the purchase of FC Alverca.

The Portuguese club, founded in 1939, has recently earned promotion to the second division and now looks set for further growth under new ownership.