Andrés Sanchez declines to testify to Corinthians Ethics Committee over corporate card case | OneFootball

Andrés Sanchez has chosen not to attend Corinthians’ Ethics and Discipline Committee hearing into alleged irregular corporate card spending during his 2018-2020 presidency. His defence now has five working days from Monday to file final remarks, after which the panel will issue its opinion.

Gazeta Esportiva first reported that Sanchez would skip Thursday’s hearing. Given Good Friday, the deadline falls on six April, after which the committee will convene to complete its analysis.

The recommendation will go to Deliberative Council president Romeu Tuma Júnior, who may take it to a plenary vote. Sanctions range from acquittal and a written warning to suspension or expulsion. Tuma contests a provisional removal and still appears on the club website.

On 16 March, his lawyers sought a postponement, arguing even a virtual session could breach court restrictions imposed after a São Paulo Public Prosecutor complaint was accepted. Measures include a ban on contact with current officials. The same rationale was sent on Thursday to Leonardo Pantaleão.

The Ethics Committee has reviewed full statements and flagged about 50 atypical expenses in Sanchez’s second term worth more than R$ 180,000, demanding explanations and any proof of reimbursement. The Justice Committee earlier heard former staff and said there was no evidence the spending benefited the club or was necessary for the role.

The Ethics hearing had been scheduled at the request of Sanchez’s lawyers, since appearances are voluntary. With no fresh testimony, his prior statement to the Justice Committee remains the main record in the case.

Source: Meu Timao