Santos hit back at Cuiabá after CNRD orders R$ 18.616.377,46 payment | OneFootball

Santos have hit back at Cuiabá over the public airing of their dispute after the CNRD ordered the club to pay R$ 18.616.377,46.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Santos say the case is with the proper bodies and that going public does not help, urging preservation of institutional relations. The club also reaffirmed it will meet obligations within planned processes and noted about R$ 170 million in receivables at the start of 2026 under CBF financial fair play.

The debt relates to the 2023 signing of centre-back Joaquim, with part of the fee unpaid and resale proceeds withheld. After a final instalment fell due in January 2025, five new tranches were set and only the first was paid, before the case reached the CNRD in May 2025 and was decided 16 months later.

Santos can still challenge the award within sport, including an appeal to the CBMA, and it continues to dispute the amount.

Cuiabá received the decision with respect but without relief, called for immediate payment and warned it would not accept stalling tactics. It also cited earlier FIFA cases involving Arouca and Monaco, when payment followed transfer bans while the club continued signing players.

Joaquim joined Santos in February 2023 for €3 million for 60 percent of his rights, later rising to 70 percent after a €750,000 clause. In July, he was sold to Tigres for $8 million, part of which offset a Soteldo-related debt. He left with five goals in 66 games.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”