MPF recommends immediate suspension of auction for Santos’ CT Rei Pelé land | OneFootball

The MPF has recommended that the Secretaria de Patrimônio da União suspend immediately the auction of the land housing Santos’ CT Rei Pelé, with the public session scheduled for 4 August.

According to Globo.com, the measure should remain in place until all technical, legal, tax and property issues are resolved. The Superintendência do Patrimônio da União has been given time to say whether it will comply.

Prosecutors raised doubts over market valuation, tax liabilities, a dispute about improvements made by the club and potential effects on bidding competitiveness. The recommendation is extrajudicial, not binding, and serves as a formal alert. If ignored, the MPF may take legal action.

Procurador da República Thiago Lacerda Nobre said the process advanced despite unresolved questions, notably the appraisal. The site was valued at R$ 79.7 million, and the MPF questions whether the updated report considered urban changes introduced by the Prefeitura de Santos after the creation of NIDE 11, legislation that altered the area’s development potential. It wants proof that the new rules did not affect market value before any continuation.

Documents reviewed indicate divergent IPTU debt figures, with one query showing more than R$ 2 million and another about R$ 27,000. There is also a conflict between the União and Santos over improvements, with the club seeking R$ 8.26 million in compensation and the União rejecting reimbursement.

Sale conditions could deter bidders, since the property would be auctioned while still occupied by Santos with no transition period. Any buyer would assume the risks and potential legal costs to secure possession. The MPF also seeks clarity on meetings involving Ministério do Esporte representatives, the role of Santos councillor Nicolino Bozzella Júnior and a possible credit operation with Caixa Econômica Federal.

Source: Globo.com