Betting CPI calls for indictments and stricter rules for Brazilian football
The Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on Match-Fixing and Sports Betting in the Federal Senate concluded its work this week, on March 19, after nearly a year of investigations. The final report, drafted by Senator Romário (PL-RJ), was approved with only one opposing vote from Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE). The document requests the indictment of three individuals for involvement in match-fixing schemes in Brazilian football: Bruno Tolentino, uncle of player Lucas Paquetá, and businessmen William Pereira Rogatto and Thiago Chambó Andrade.
Launched in April 2024, the CPI was tasked with investigating allegations and suspicions of match-fixing in Brazilian football involving players, officials, and betting companies. Throughout its proceedings, the commission held nearly 40 meetings, hearing testimonies from football officials, referees, betting industry executives, sports data specialists, government officials, suspected match-fixers, and law enforcement representatives.
Recommended indictments
The final CPI report recommends the indictment of:
- Bruno Tolentino: Uncle of player Lucas Paquetá, identified for suspicious financial transactions related to bets placed on matches in which his nephew played.
- William Pereira Rogatto: Known as the “Relegation King,” he admitted to the CPI that he is one of Brazil’s most prominent and organised match-fixers. He has been imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates since November 2024 after confessing his involvement in match-fixing schemes. Read more about this case here.
- Thiago Chambó Andrade: Alleged member of a criminal organisation dedicated to match-fixing, he failed to appear for the CPI hearings despite being summoned.
Legislative proposals and suggested measures
In addition to the indictment requests, the report proposes a constitutional amendment and three bills aimed at strengthening the fight against match-fixing and fraud in the betting market:
- Constitutional amendment: Mandates that any citizen summoned by a CPI must appear, with the possibility of police enforcement. This proposal follows a Supreme Federal Court (STF) ruling that excused influencer Deolane Bezerra from testifying before the commission.
- Proposed bills:
- Harsher penalties: Increases the prison sentence for match-fixing crimes from four to up to ten years.
- New criminal classifications: Introduces legal definitions for fraud in the betting market and establishes penalties for athletes who use insider information for personal gain.
- Betting regulation: Recommends banning bets on isolated events, such as yellow cards, especially involving high-profile athletes, due to the increased risk of manipulation.
All documents produced by the commission will be forwarded to the Federal Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation. Other institutions, including the Civil House and the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Sports, and Health, will also receive the material for review and implementation of appropriate measures.
The conclusion of the CPI’s work highlights the need for stronger laws and effective measures to prevent match-fixing in sports. Football, Brazil’s greatest passion, requires transparent and fair rules to ensure honest competition.
If the CPI’s proposals are approved, they could significantly help combat fraud, ensuring that players, officials, and all stakeholders act ethically and within the law. Now, the expectation is that Congress and other authorities will quickly review these recommendations and implement the necessary changes to keep Brazilian sports fair and transparent.
This article first appeared in Portuguese on 21 March 2025.
