Santos to join Brasília talks on BNDES credit line after betting ban | OneFootball

Santos will attend a government meeting in Brasília on Tuesday to discuss support measures for football after a provisional measure banned betting operators in Brazil. A proposed line of credit for clubs is set to be a central topic.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the talks are scheduled at the Palácio do Planalto with representatives from the Finance, Sport and Planning ministries, plus the Secretariat for Social Communication. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is not expected to take part.

The leading proposal is a BNDES financing line with below-market rates, allowing clubs to reorganise overdue debts and invest in infrastructure.

The programme discussed could reach R$ 20 billion for clubs and SAFs in Série A and Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Format, access criteria and allocations are yet to be defined, and it would be financing rather than debt forgiveness.

Santos are directly affected, having signed Novibet as main sponsor in early 2026 on a deal worth a fixed R$ 35 million per season plus variables, running until 2028.

Following Friday’s measure on 25 September, Santos and Novibet began talks on its impact, with an initial expectation of suspending brand exposure and payments until the legal picture is clarified.

The CBF is acting as an intermediary. Clubs have also cited this year’s Financial Fair Play rules to support the credit line push, arguing current financial and governance controls would enable tighter oversight of any funds.

Last week, Santos joined other teams in a manifesto backing a regulated betting market, calling for oversight and safeguards without dismantling regulation.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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