Councillors and members seek precautionary suspension of Corinthians vice-president Armando Mendonça | OneFootball

A group of Corinthians councillors and members has sought the precautionary suspension of vice-president Armando Mendonça after developments in a probe into alleged diversion of Nike merchandise. São Paulo prosecutors charged him on Wednesday with qualified and continued embezzlement, attempted qualified embezzlement, aggravated theft by abuse of trust, and coercion during proceedings.

According to Meu Timao, the petition requests the opening of an ethics and disciplinary process, alleging repeated complaints indicating conduct incompatible with office. It carries 15 signatures from councillors and associates.

It also cites a Justice Committee opinion alleging administrative disorder, damage to club assets, interference in the inquiry, and intimidation of auditors and Nike representatives.

The indictment alleges he took 131 Nike items between June and October 2025, including 100 shirts, nine sweatshirts, nine trousers, six pairs of trainers, four shorts, two suitcases and a backpack. It also accuses him of trying to remove 19 special NFL shirts after the 1-1 draw with Palmeiras on 31 August 2025, and of taking eight commemorative shirts from the Los Angeles Chargers v Kansas City Chiefs game at Neo Química Arena in September without authorisation, using his access to storerooms at Parque São Jorge and CT Dr. Joaquim Grava.

Investigators also cite alleged coercion, including a call of almost 40 minutes recorded by technology director Marcelo Munhoes. In it, Mendonça reportedly warned staff not to try to harm him, claimed his elected status made him untouchable, and dismissed scrutiny of items taken by him or the president.

It also notes comments in May 2025 backing the removal of then president Augusto Melo, and recalls proceedings over offensive remarks to supporters after last December’s Copa do Brasil win. The petition seeks immediate suspension until final rulings, preserves defence rights, and asks for formal notice to club bodies and files sent to prosecutors.

Acting Deliberative Council president Leonardo Pantaleão will analyse the request. Signatories include councillors Marcelo Kahan Mandel and Antonio Roque Citadini, plus members Leandro Olmedila and Henrique Nunes.

Source: Meu Timao