Flamengo statement on probe involving Vasco, Palmeiras and Crefisa

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·28 August 2026

Flamengo statement on probe involving Vasco, Palmeiras and Crefisa

Vasco is barred from negotiating with Palmeiras and Crefisa

The National Football Regulation and Sustainability Agency (ANRESF) decided this Thursday (27) to open an investigation into the sale of Vasco’s SAF. As a result, Flamengo issued a statement expressing support for the body that barred the negotiations.

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo considers it important that the National Football Regulation and Sustainability Agency (ANRESF) has opened formal proceedings to assess a possible conflict of interest in the potential acquisition of Vasco da Gama’s SAF by a group led by businessman Marcos Lamacchia. The issue is not limited to the clubs involved and should be understood by everyone. The possibility of influence, control, or economic dependence between participants in the same competition creates severe competitive asymmetry, depresses the market value of assets under recovery, distorts the sporting contest currently underway, and sets a precedent of systemic risk for the integrity of competitions and for the SAF market in the country.

What exactly is ANRESF investigating?

The main focus of the investigation is Marcos Lamacchia, the businessman negotiating the acquisition of 90% of Vasco’s SAF. He is Leila Pereira’s stepson, and she is Palmeiras’ president, which could create cross-influence between teams in the same competition.

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So Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, began speaking publicly to question the fairness of the negotiations involving the son of Crefisa’s owner. That is because Marcos is the son of José Roberto Lamacchia, who is married to Leila.

What is Vasco prohibited from doing?

The injunction restricts different types of relationships between Vasco and Palmeiras. Therefore, the teams cannot negotiate players, carry out financial transactions, share facilities, or share employees 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.

When is ANRESF expected to make a decision?

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

Meanwhile, the process remains under seal regarding contracts and financial information. Thus, the negotiations for the change of control of Vasco’s SAF enter a new stage of review before any final decision.

Read Flamengo’s full statement:

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo considers it important that the National Football Regulation and Sustainability Agency (ANRESF) has opened formal proceedings to assess a possible conflict of interest in the potential acquisition of Vasco da Gama’s SAF by a group led by businessman Marcos Lamacchia. The measure reinforces a concern Flamengo has been expressing and that is provided for in the Financial Sustainability System Regulation (RSSF), in force since January 2026: the need to ensure the independence of clubs, the integrity of competitions, and the effective application of Financial Fair Play rules. The issue is not limited to the clubs involved and should be understood by everyone. The possibility of influence, control, or economic dependence between participants in the same competition creates severe competitive asymmetry, depresses the market value of assets under recovery, distorts the sporting contest currently underway, and sets a precedent of systemic risk for the integrity of competitions and for the SAF market in the country. Flamengo also considers it important that precautionary measures be adopted during the review and understands that, to be fully effective, they must extend to all parties related to those involved in the transaction, including companies directly or indirectly controlled by the same economic groups, such as Placar Linhas Aéreas. Flamengo trusts in the calm, balanced, and independent work of ANRESF and believes the case represents an important test for the new regulatory system of Brazilian football and for building an environment of stronger governance, competitive balance, and institutional security.

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