Corinthians vice-president requests leave amid Nike kit disappearance case | OneFootball

Armando Mendonça, Corinthians vice-president, requested a 30-day leave from his role on Monday night amid a case over missing Nike sports equipment.

According to Globo.com, the move follows a complaint by São Paulo’s Public Prosecutor’s Office and, on Friday, a filing by members and councillors seeking his immediate precautionary removal.

In a statement to the media, Mendonça denied appropriating club kit and criticised president Osmar Stabile for failing to offer clear explanations. He said the club had not shown the resolve to address supporters, members and councillors, and argued the allegation required a public stance from the institution rather than private conversations.

Prosecutors have charged him with aggravated misappropriation on a continued basis, attempted aggravated misappropriation on a continued basis, qualified theft through abuse of trust, and coercion during proceedings.

The complaint alleges he took 131 Nike items, tried to obtain 19 special shirts with an NFL patch, and kept eight from that commemorative edition. It also accuses him of threatening two witnesses.

The case is based on evidence gathered by the Civil Police. Lead investigator Cesar Saad concluded no crime occurred, but prosecutors disagreed and filed the accusation in court. Mendonça may return to his post at any time during his leave.

Source: Globo.com