Prosecutor challenges Corinthians vice’s recusal move, mentions Yuri Alberto | OneFootball

São Paulo prosecutor Cassio Roberto Conserino has rejected a recusal bid by Corinthians vice-president Armando Mendonça’s defence, tied to a complaint over missing Nike kit. According to Meu Timao, he denied bias and criticised the attempt to annul the case.

Conserino said he has never been a Parque São Jorge member, only a Fiel Torcedor subscriber, had not entered the social HQ or met any targets. He criticised the defence for trawling Instagram and using family photos, calling the plea legally, factually and morally weak.

He said he was chosen by lottery on 22 July 2025 to assess a supporter’s representation, which spawned criminal and civil probes, including an alleged R$ 3.4 million withdrawal by João Odair de Souza, known as Caveira.

Responding to images of him at Neo Química Arena in club colours, he said his support predates the inquiries. He mocked the recusal thesis, even namechecking Yuri Alberto, and argued fandom alone cannot create suspicion.

Mendonça became a defendant after a São Paulo court accepted a complaint over missing Nike items at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava and Parque São Jorge. He is charged with qualified and continued embezzlement, attempted qualified embezzlement, qualified theft by abuse of trust, and coercion during proceedings.

Prosecutors allege he appropriated 131 items, tried to take 19 special NFL shirts and removed eight more, then intimidated audit staff. The court rejected precautionary bans, citing insufficient grounds. He denies all accusations, and judges will review whether to change the case’s conduct, with escalation possible.

Source: Meu Timao