Brazil betting ban hearing: clubs voice concern

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court held a public hearing on the country's fixed-odds betting ban. Football clubs and government representatives presented opposing views. The hearing covered the effects on sponsorship, contracts and public health, but no ruling was issued.

At the hearing in Brasília on 3 November, Flamengo vice president Flávio Willeman said the ban could cost the club about 70.02 million euros in annual revenue and could affect more than 1,200 employees. This figure is the club's estimate and not a confirmed loss.

Flamengo stated that it had structured its finances and contracts according to the rules in place when they were signed. Fluminense representatives also argued that revenue from sponsorship and broadcasting could be affected. The clubs said the compliance period is short and that a transition period is needed to protect existing contracts.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued Provisional Measure 1,394 on 25 September, which bans the offering and advertising of fixed-odds bets. Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva and Attorney General Jorge Messias defended the measure. Betting and football industry organisations objected, citing concerns about contracts and the risk of unlicensed activity.

The hearing, convened by Justice Luiz Fux, was held as part of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the measure and is not a ruling. Congress may approve, amend or reject the measure. According to the latest monitoring update of 29 October, the measure is awaiting the creation of a joint committee.