Coluna do Fla
·4 février 2026
Flamengo continental champion sacked from city hall, faces probe

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Yahoo sportsColuna do Fla
·4 février 2026

Champion of the Mercosur Cup and three-time Carioca champion with Flamengo, Leandro Machado is going through a delicate moment in his personal life. The former striker was dismissed from his position as Secretary of Sports at the Santo Amaro da Imperatriz City Hall, located in Greater Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. The ex-athlete is the target of criminal accusations.
The Civil Police of Santa Catarina did not provide details of the case, but stated in advance that a minor is involved. The Santo Amaro da Imperatriz City Hall confirmed Leandro's dismissal. “Any acts or conduct attributed to the former secretary are his sole responsibility and must be investigated by the competent authorities under the due process of law,” said an excerpt from the municipality’s statement.
“The Executive Branch reaffirms that it does not tolerate irregularities and that public administration remains guided by the collective interest. The activities of the Sports Department continue according to schedule, ensuring the continuity of services to the population,” it added.
Born in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, Leandro Machado is 49 years old and has played for the Brazilian National Team and several clubs, such as Grêmio, Santos, Sport, Valencia (ESP), and Sporting (POR). However, ‘Piu-Piu’, as he was known, found success at Flamengo.
Winner of the 1999 Mercosur Cup, the 2001 Champions Cup, and the three-time Carioca championship (1999, 2000, and 2001), Leandro Machado played 102 matches wearing the Sacred Mantle. In addition, the former number 9 scored 39 goals. Finally, ‘Piu Piu’ ended his career in 2008, playing for Sport Recife at the age of 32.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.








































