São Paulo judge keeps criminal case against Corinthians vice-president Armando Mendonça | OneFootball

A São Paulo judge has rejected a request for summary acquittal, keeping the criminal case against Corinthians’ second vice-president, Armando Mendonça, over the disappearance of Nike sporting materials.

According to Meu Timao, Amanda Eiko Sato of the 25th Criminal Court at Barra Funda dismissed the defence’s submissions and ordered the prosecution to proceed.

The defence cited lack of just cause and atypical conduct, claimed institutional authorisation to remove the items, denied intent and coercion, and questioned the legality of prosecutors’ steps and the internal audit.

The judge found the São Paulo prosecutors’ indictment adequately sets out the alleged facts. She said any authorisation and the audit’s regularity are matters for trial, and a coercion claim tied to an extrajudicial notice will be tested in evidence.

Requests for expert analysis of the audit and for new documents from Corinthians were refused for now. The decision noted the case is not based only on the audit, citing phone recordings, statements and other material, though further tests may be revisited during instruction.

A virtual hearing is set for 10 November 2026, a Tuesday, at nine am, when prosecution and defence witnesses will be heard, followed by defendants’ questioning and closing arguments.

Mendonça is accused of appropriating 131 items, attempting to remove 19 special NFL shirts and taking a further eight, and intimidating staff behind the internal audit. Earlier bids to suspend him, bar him from club premises or curb contact with officials were refused, and he denies all accusations.

Source: Meu Timao

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