Sao Paulo president Julio Casares resigns before vote amid embezzlement accusations | OneFootball

Julio Casares, president of Sao Paulo FC, resigned on Wednesday ahead of a general assembly vote that was due to ratify his removal over allegations of embezzlement.

According to AFP, police are investigating withdrawals from the club’s accounts between 2021 and 2025, with the Sao Paulo state public security secretariat confirming the probe.

In an Instagram post, the septuagenarian said the move did not amount to an admission or recognition of guilt, adding that he acted to preserve his health and protect his family from attacks and threats.

First vice-president Harry Massis will serve as interim president until new elections are held.

The club’s deliberative council had already approved Casares’s removal at Morumbi by 188 votes to 45, with 2 abstentions. Final ratification required a simple majority of club members at a general assembly.

Elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2023, Casares’s term had been due to end later this year. His departure comes as Sao Paulo prepare to open their Brazilian Championship campaign against reigning champions Flamengo on 28 January.

Coached by Argentine Hernan Crespo, Sao Paulo finished eighth last season and qualified for the Copa Sudamericana, Latin America’s equivalent of the Europa League.

Source: L'Équipe