Conflict of interest! Vasco barred from deals with Palmeiras and Crefisa | OneFootball

Decision was made on Thursday (27)

The negotiations for the sale of Vasco's SAF took a new turn on Thursday (27). The National Agency for Football Regulation and Sustainability (ANRESF), responsible for enforcing financial fair play rules, opened proceedings to investigate a possible conflict of interest in the operation.

In addition, the entity imposed precautionary measures against the club during the investigation. As a result, Vasco is barred from doing business with Palmeiras and from taking out new loans with Crefisa.

WHY HAS THE SALE OF VASCO'S SAF COME UNDER ANRESF'S SCRUTINY?

The main focus of the investigation involves Marcos Lamacchia, the businessman negotiating the acquisition of 90% of Vasco's SAF. He is Leila Pereira's stepson, and she is the president of Palmeiras, which has raised doubts about possible cross-influence between clubs in the same competition.

For this reason, ANRESF launched the first conflict-of-interest review in its history. The agency intends to examine whether the operation complies with rules that prevent a person or group from exercising significant influence over more than one club competing in the same tournament.

WHAT IS VASCO PROHIBITED FROM DOING?

The precautionary measure restricts different types of relationships between Vasco and Palmeiras. As such, the clubs may not negotiate players, carry out financial transactions, share facilities, or share professionals and information considered sensitive.

In addition, Vasco will not be allowed to take out new loans or expand financial operations with companies linked to Crefisa. The restriction, however, does not automatically invalidate previous agreements signed between the parties.

COULD THE INVESTIGATION PREVENT THE PURCHASE OF THE SAF?

ANRESF has not yet examined the definitive merits of the deal and adopted the restrictions only as a preventive measure during the inquiry. In addition, the investments provided for in the agreement are not automatically blocked, as long as they do not involve operations prohibited by the decision. The agency also said the investigation seeks to preserve sporting integrity while it analyzes the structure of the deal.

WHEN IS ANRESF EXPECTED TO MAKE A DECISION?

The review will last up to 30 days, according to information released this Thursday (27). Therefore, the final decision on the operation should come after the conclusion of the proceedings, with no possibility of appeal according to the published decision.

Meanwhile, the process remains confidential regarding contracts and financial information. As a result, the negotiations for the change of control of Vasco's SAF enter a new stage of review before any final decision is made.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.