Corinthians cut ties with e-Sports partner after recent controversies

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Central do Timão

·27 septembre 2025

Corinthians cut ties with e-Sports partner after recent controversies

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On Saturday, Corinthians announced the end of its contractual relationship with CDS E-Sports and Entertainment Ltd., the company previously responsible for managing the alvinegra brand in the electronic sports scene. The termination ends a partnership marked by criticism and questions since the beginning of 2024.

With this decision, the club emphasized that, "at the moment, it does not have an official e-Sports team in activity." The management also highlighted that no organization, player, or company is authorized to use the name, shield, or any other symbol of Corinthians in gaming tournaments, except in situations previously approved by the institution.

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The break occurs after a series of controversies involving the management of CDS. Throughout 2024, players and former players reported delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and even episodes of psychological pressure. In an interview given to Meu Timão in July, the company's president, Milson Januário, admitted salary delays of up to two months and debts close to R$ 300,000, promising to settle the amounts in 60 days — something that was not fully realized.

Some cases ended up in court. Former player Siandro “Tatu” Rech won a lawsuit for R$ 25,000, citing delayed payments and lack of adequate food. Former coach Igor Bernardo won a case for R$ 40,000. Meanwhile, Rafael “Rafa Fiel” is claiming about R$ 176,000. Documents showed that the debt reached R$ 1 million at the beginning of 2024; Milson himself acknowledged that the debt had already exceeded R$ 1.3 million.

In addition to financial problems, there were reports about the operational environment. Players reported an atmosphere of intimidation, threats of dismissal, and even parties with drugs at one of the game houses. Milson stated that he deactivated the space and adopted a housing assistance model, which was also affected by delays.

The crisis worsened in July when Garena — the company responsible for Free Fire — banned Corinthians from participating in the Free Fire World Series Brazil (FFWS Brazil), the main national league of the game. The decision was officially communicated as a punishment for non-compliance with institutional rules.

The ban immediately removed the team from the competition and further exposed the management problems of CDS, which was already facing protests from fans and pressure for greater control by the club.

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