After conviction, journalist exposes Vasco youth academy’s reality

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·17. September 2025

After conviction, journalist exposes Vasco youth academy’s reality

The recent conviction of Vasco da Gama in the Superior Labor Court (TST) for irregularities in its youth academy, in a case from 2012, has raised questions about the current conditions offered to the club’s young players. An investigation by journalist Lucas Pedrosa sought to answer this question, revealing that today’s scenario is completely different and that the club has been complying with legal requirements.

+ Vasco is convicted for irregularities in the youth academy and judge cites rival’s tragedy: “Exploiting children”

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Conviction refers to a scenario from 13 years ago

First, it is essential to put the TST’s decision into context. The order to pay R$ 300,000 is the outcome of a Public Civil Action from 2012. The irregularities pointed out, such as precarious accommodations and lack of apprenticeship contracts, refer to the management at that time and do not reflect the club’s current structure.

After the case gained attention, Lucas Pedrosa investigated the state of Vasco’s facilities in 2025. According to the journalist, the situation is “very different.” The club, under stricter scrutiny after tragedies like the Ninho do Urubu fire, has been paying much more attention to the issue.

One of the guarantees that the problems of the past are not being repeated is external oversight. Pedrosa reported that the Public Prosecutor’s Office makes frequent visits to Vasco’s youth academy facilities.

Photo: X/Twitter Lucas Pedrosa

Vasco now meets the “basic requirements”

The conclusion of the investigation is that Vasco has adapted to the regulations. The club, however, can still improve. In the journalist’s assessment, the current management is doing what is required by law. He stated: