Flamengo rocked as key forward faces fresh match-fixing probe | OneFootball

Bruno Henrique was absent from Monday morning's online hearing at Brazil’s Superior Sports Justice Tribunal (STJD), where he was expected to address allegations of involvement in match-fixing. According to his legal representatives, the Flamengo forward missed the session due to a team training commitment at Ninho do Urubu. Although his presence was not mandatory, his lawyers emphasized its importance, pointing to a scheduling clash after the hearing—initially set for 15:00—was moved to the morning, overlapping with [Flamengo](https://sportseye.io/clubs/127)’s planned session.

The STJD is currently re-examining the alleged match-fixing case after new evidence from federal investigators. Nine other individuals, including family members of Bruno Henrique, are also due to provide testimony. The investigation pivots on digital evidence recovered from the phone of Bruno Henrique’s brother, Wander Nunes Pinto Junior, indicating possible links between the Flamengo player and coordinated betting activities.

Specifically, messages between Bruno Henrique and his brother detailed discussions regarding yellow card accumulations and upcoming fixtures. One exchange saw Wander inquire if the player was one card away from suspension, to which Bruno Henrique confirmed. The conversation turned to the idea of holding off on a card until a particular match against Santos, with Wander making light of “investment” opportunities in response.

Financial records referenced in the investigation show that Bruno Henrique’s brother, his sister-in-law, and his cousin placed bets related to the [Flamengo](https://sportseye.io/clubs/127)-Santos encounter, each seeing returns of over R$1,100 on initial wagers of R$380. The cumulative evidence led authorities to charge Bruno Henrique with fraud and match-fixing, alongside those relatives.

Bruno Henrique’s defense has formally requested the annulment of all decisions taken so far by the state court, arguing that the case should be moved to the federal jurisdiction. Additionally, his legal team is seeking the elimination of all state-court-collected evidence from the process. The player now awaits a rescheduled hearing date at the STJD.

The episode places focus on the broader issue of corruption in Brazilian football, though the final outcome hinges on further judicial decisions and continued investigation.

Source: Lance