Corinthians weighs short-term deals for shirt-front after betting ban | OneFootball

Amid concerns over the master sponsorship deal with Esportes da Sorte, due to the ban on betting-related cases following a Provisional Measure issued by the Federal Government, Corinthians has been working behind the scenes to find temporary solutions.

Central do Timão has learned that the board has been contacting brands that have previously occupied the main spot on the shirt during important moments for the club on the pitch. The idea is to strike short-term deals for the remaining matches of the season.

Photo: Fernando Bueno / Corinthians

In addition, the report also found that Corinthians has held talks with sponsors already featured on the kit. The club is considering negotiating an increase in the value of existing agreements so the brands can be displayed in the master sponsorship space on a temporary basis.

On September 25, the Federal Government published a provisional measure establishing new rules for the operation of betting and virtual gaming in Brazil. Among the provisions is a ban on offering these services as well as on advertising by companies authorized to operate in the country.

Despite the measure, the platforms remain temporarily available so users can withdraw any funds still in their accounts. The deadline for withdrawals ends at 11:59 p.m. on October 5, the date set before the sites are blocked.

After that, the companies will have new obligations regarding bettors’ funds. Between October 7 and 8, betting companies must inform the banks responsible for the financial transactions of the amounts linked to each CPF. The money must be returned by October 14. If there is any problem in the process, Caixa Econômica Federal may act as an intermediary for the refund.

The provisional measure, however, has not yet definitively become law. For that to happen, it must be reviewed and voted on by the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate within 120 days. In the meantime, the measure provides for the suspension of service offerings and advertising activities by betting companies authorized in the national territory.

The timeline also affects sponsorship contracts. As established by the government, brands related to betting companies must be removed from advertising agreements by 11:59 p.m. on October 5.

The change has already had a direct impact on Corinthians. This week, the club received a communication from Esportes da Sorte, its current master sponsor, about the possible effects of the provisional measure on the contract signed between the parties.

Internally, the black-and-white board received the notice as part of the adaptation process in light of a possible change in the legislation. Corinthians and Esportes da Sorte have maintained what is considered a positive relationship since the start of the partnership in 2024, and they remain in contact to monitor developments in the situation.

If the measure is approved under its current terms, the continuation of contracts with betting companies could be affected at different clubs in Brazilian football. In Corinthians’ case, the deal with Esportes da Sorte is set to run until the end of 2029, with values that may reach R$ 200 million per season.

Corinthians itself has publicly spoken out against the provisional measure. In a statement that described the proposal as the “end of Brazilian football,” the club joined other major teams in the country in warning about the possible effects of an abrupt reduction in revenue from this type of sponsorship.

The mobilization was not limited to the clubs. State federations also took part in the discussions, initially through the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF). Later, entities from Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, and Minas Gerais joined the movement, as did clubs from those regions.

The issue has also moved forward at the municipal level. On September 23, the São Paulo City Council approved, in its first vote, a bill that provides for restrictions on advertising by betting companies in the state capital. The proposal still needs to go through a second vote before any final approval.

Clubs in São Paulo have been closely monitoring the possible impacts of the changes and even met with the São Paulo Football Federation to discuss the effects of the measure and the next steps in light of the situation involving betting operators.

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