Brazil’s Police investigate football match-fixing allegations

In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the Brazilian football community, the Federal Police, in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, carried out Operation Spot-fixing this Tuesday (5) to investigate a potential match manipulation of the card market, in a football match valid for the Brazilian Championship Series A, which took place in November 2023. The primary focus of the investigation is Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique, who is suspected of deliberately receiving a yellow card during a match with Santos Futebol Clube, to benefit specific bettors, including his brother, sister-in-law, cousin and friends. Over 50 federal police officers and 6 members of the Special Operations Group (Geo/DF) are executing 12 search and seizure warrants, issued by the Federal District Court, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Belo Horizonte, Vespasiano, Lagoa Santa and Ribeirão das Neves (MG).

The investigation was triggered by a report from the Integrity Unit of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which identified suspicious betting patterns flagged by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and Sportradar, which conduct risk analysis. They suspected manipulation of the card market in the Brazilian Championship match.

Serious legal consequences

Data obtained from the betting houses, through legal representatives appointed by the Betting Prizes Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance (SPA), indicated that the bets had been made by the player’s relatives and by another group still under investigation. During the Flamengo vs. Santos match, on November 1st, 2023, Bruno Henrique allegedly forced a yellow card at the end of the second half of the game that ended 2×1 for Santos, by hitting an adversary at a ball dispute. After that, he got a red card for arguing with the referee. Knowing that the footballer would provoke at least a yellow card, his brother, sister-in-law and cousin made a series of online bets on different websites.  This is a crime against the uncertainty of the result of the sport, a conduct typified in the General Sports Law, with a sentence of two to six years in prison. If proven guilty, Bruno Henrique and the bettors could face these serious legal consequences.  The Ministry of Sports stated that it “follows and supports the recent investigations involving athlete Bruno Henrique and reinforces its commitment to integrity and transparency in Brazilian sports. Actions that compromise sports ethics are unacceptable crimes and must be investigated with the utmost rigour, with respect for the public, the athletes and the credibility of the sport.” According to the statement, the ministry informs that it “supports the application of the General Sports Law in all cases of manipulation and irregularities, ensuring that the results of competitions reflect only the merit and effort of the athletes. A fair and honest sports environment is essential for building a society that values ​​sports as an instrument of development and citizenship. The Ministry of Sports remains available to support measures that strengthen security and transparency in national sports.” The investigation highlights the growing threat of match-fixing to the integrity of football worldwide. As betting markets expand and become more sophisticated, the potential for manipulation increases. It is imperative that governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, and sports organisations work together to combat this menace and protect the sanctity of the game.

What Flamengo says

In a statement, Flamengo Football Club said that they “became aware of an ongoing investigation into possible match-fixing and sports betting.” 

“The Club has not yet had access to the investigation records, since the case is under judicial secrecy, but it is important to note that, while it will support the authorities, it will also give full support to the athlete Bruno Henrique, who enjoys our trust and, like any person, is presumed innocent.”

“Finally, Flamengo clarifies that there was an investigation in the sports field, (…) and will await the outcome of the investigation.” “The athlete continues to carry out his professional activities normally. He is training and travelling with the delegation this Tuesday (5), to Belo Horizonte.”