Corinthians rocked as top names indicted in sponsorship scandal | OneFootball

Corinthians president Augusto Melo and three others have been formally indicted as part of the VaideBet sponsorship investigation, signaling a significant development in an ongoing off-field saga that continues to envelop the club. The São Paulo Civil Police inquiry concluded by identifying Melo, two former club executives—Marcelo Mariano and Sérgio Moura—and intermediary Alex Cassundé as suspects in the case, citing allegations of qualified theft through abuse of trust, criminal association, and money laundering.

Melo’s legal team responded swiftly to the police report, describing the charges as “incredulously and indignantly” received, and reiterated their stance that Melo “has no involvement with any irregularities related to the case.” They emphasized that the president “was solely responsible for facilitating the largest master sponsorship agreement in South American football,” stating that all relevant departments approved the contract and that this was Melo’s only participation in the process.

Sérgio Moura’s lawyer, José Roberto, also commented on behalf of his client, insisting, “The defense is very calm, and Sérgio is very calm. We have full confidence in the evidence collected during the investigation. There was no involvement. The police authority is free to interpret, but the defense believes it is mistaken. Everything will be proven throughout the legal proceedings.”

The next stage of the process rests with the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will review the police findings led by delegate Thiago Fernando Correia and decide whether to formally file charges. Should the court accept the case, Melo, Mariano, Moura, and Cassundé would become defendants and the matter would move to trial, potentially including phases of witness testimony and further judicial review. Any initial ruling would not be final, as appeals could be made to superior courts, including the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ).

This latest move by authorities comes at a delicate moment for Corinthians leadership. The club’s Deliberative Council is set to vote on Melo’s impeachment next Monday, following earlier requests for his removal tied to alleged irregularities in the VaideBet sponsorship deal. The upcoming session at Parque São Jorge will test the president’s hold on power as scrutiny intensifies both from inside and outside the club.

As the legal process advances and internal politics heat up, questions remain about the immediate and long-term impact on Corinthians’ direction, with stakeholders across the board watching for the council’s decision and responses from the indicted individuals as their cases develop.

Source: Globo