Mara Casares speaks out after being linked to São Paulo ticket scandal | OneFootball

Mentioned in investigations about an alleged irregular ticket and suite sales scheme at Morumbi Stadium, the cultural and events director of São Paulo, Mara Casares, ex-wife of the club's president, Julio Casares, released a public statement on Monday to address the case.

The episode came to light after the leak of audios, revealed by ge, which also point to the involvement of Douglas Schwartzmann, deputy director of the club's youth categories, in a scheme of irregular ticket exploitation during concerts held at the stadium, including that of singer Shakira in February this year. After the material was leaked, both requested leave from their positions.

In an Instagram post, Mara lamented that a private conversation gained public attention and stated that the disclosed content was shared in a distorted manner. According to her, the circulating audio does not reflect the truth of the facts nor her intention in participating in the call. “The circulating audio was taken out of context and brings a connotation that does not reflect the truth of the facts nor my intention,” she stated.

SEE MORE: Who is Mara Casares, ex-wife of the president and director of São Paulo involved in ticket scandal

According to the director, the conversation had the sole purpose of resolving a specific situation between third parties, always with the concern of preserving São Paulo's interests. She confirmed that there was even a request for a legal action to be withdrawn, precisely to avoid damage to the club's image.

Mara Casares vehemently denied the existence of any “ticket sales scheme” and rejected insinuations of personal gain. “At no time was there personal benefit. I did not have any personal gain of any kind. My conscience is absolutely clear,” she declared.

In light of the case's repercussions, Mara informed that she requested leave from her voluntary duties at the club. According to her, the decision aimed to allow her to dedicate herself fully to the necessary clarifications without harming the management.

  See this photo on Instagram   A post shared by Mara Casares (@maracasares)

Understand the case

In the recording, Douglas Schwartzmann admits that he, Mara Casares, and others would have obtained financial gains from the scheme. According to the disclosed content, Mara received a suite from the club's superintendent, Marcio Carlomagno, and began selling tickets for the event. Carlomagno is identified as one of the main figures in the current management and a close associate of president Julio Casares.

The suite involved in the case is 3A, located in the east sector of Morumbi. According to internal São Paulo documents, the space is identified as the “presidential room” and is in front of the club president's office.

Also according to the report, the right to use suite 3A was transferred to Rita de Cassia Adriana Prado, an intermediary mentioned in the recording. She was responsible for exploiting the space and selling tickets, which reportedly generated an estimated revenue of R$ 132,000. However, the agreement ended in a legal dispute. In June, Rita's company filed a lawsuit against Cassemiro Eventos Ltda., alleging the improper removal of an envelope with 60 tickets from the suite on the day of the show. A police report was also filed.

In the audios, Schwartzmann pressures Rita to withdraw the lawsuit and acknowledges that the agreement was made “outside the standard,” also stating that the scheme was known to Marcio Carlomagno. In one of the excerpts, he says that all involved knew the practice was improper.

SEE MORE: São Paulo opposition councilors call for Julio Casares' removal after ticket scandal

São Paulo's statement

In an official note, São Paulo informed that it became aware of the audio content through the press and will conduct the proper investigation of the facts. The club confirmed that Douglas Schwartzmann and Mara Casares requested leave from their positions and stated that it will take necessary measures after analyzing the case.

“São Paulo Futebol Clube informs that it became aware of the audio content through the press and will conduct the proper investigation of the facts. Based on this analysis, the Club will take the necessary measures,” said the club.

Photo: Disclosure / Mara Casares

Read Mara Casares' full statement:

I want to comment on this situation.

The circulating audio was taken out of context and brings a connotation that does not reflect the truth of the facts nor my intention.

At no time was there personal benefit. I did not have any personal gain of any kind. My conscience is absolutely clear.

It is important to clarify that the conversation brought in the audio contains inappropriate expressions, I acknowledge that. These statements, when isolated, do not represent the real context of the conversation, nor the purpose of the call.

The conversation had the sole purpose of resolving a specific situation between third parties, always thinking about the protection of the institution. Indeed, it was requested that the action be withdrawn precisely to preserve SPFC.

I vehemently repudiate any statement or insinuation about the existence of a “ticket sales scheme.” This narrative does not match reality and will be duly clarified and proven at the appropriate time.

I deeply regret that a private conversation has gained public scope and been shared in a distorted way.

In light of this scenario, I requested leave from voluntary duties to dedicate myself fully to the necessary clarifications and not harm the management.

I reaffirm: I am fully available for any clarifications, with calmness, responsibility, and commitment to the truth.

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