Police probe officials over embezzlement, São Paulo unaware | OneFootball

The Civil Police have opened an inquiry to investigate alleged embezzlement of money in player sales by São Paulo conducted by its officials, who are reportedly profiting improperly from the club's negotiations.

According to a publication by the portal UOL, the Police stated that “the investigations are ongoing by the DPPC (Department of Police for the Protection of Citizenship, under judicial secrecy, which is why details will be preserved to ensure autonomy in the police work.”

São Paulo issued a brief statement to the press on Monday (22) saying it is not aware of any ongoing police investigation within the club.

“São Paulo Futebol Clube informs that it is not aware of any ongoing Civil Police investigation. The Club is available to provide all necessary clarifications to the authorities, should it be formally cited,” communicated the Tricolor.

According to information provided by UOL, the investigation has been ongoing for months and involves a relationship between Tricolor officials and businesspeople suspected of participating in the embezzlement of funds in negotiations.

The Justice authorized the breaking of banking secrecy of some of the accused in the case, and one of the agents mentioned is considered one of the most important in the football world.

The inquiry in São Paulo began from procedures initiated in the Vai de Bet case, at rival Corinthians, and is under the responsibility of delegate Tiago Correia, the same one conducting the investigation of the Itaquera club.

The Tricolor had over R$ 230 million in player sales this season, with the young talents from Cotia having their low values highly questioned.

This is just another stage of the biggest crisis in the club's history, occurring this year. Still in this turbulent month of December, the crisis in the Medical Department led to dismissals, including the nutritionist who illegally prescribed weight loss medication to players, in addition to the Box Seats Scandal, which is also under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office.

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