Police launch probe into possible corruption at São Paulo social | OneFootball

The Public Prosecutor's Office, together with the Civil Police, has launched a new inquiry to investigate possible corruption in the social department of São Paulo. The main target of the investigation is António Donizete Gonçalves, known as Dedé, who served as the club's social director until he left the position in January this year, by mutual agreement with President Harry Massis.

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The investigation is under judicial secrecy. According to UOL, which first reported the information, the complaint is motivated by an audio in which Dedé allegedly offered to provide benefits to a person, in exchange for a "entry fee" of R$ 100,000 to R$ 150,000. Additionally, he also mentioned charging "20% of the gross revenue."

Dedé acknowledged the authenticity of the audio but justified that it would be an official charge by São Paulo to grant entry permission to suppliers in the social club and that the amounts are directed to the club's funds. Regarding the 20%, the former director also stated that it was related to São Paulo's demand on the gross revenue.

The inquiry, initiated by the 3rd Precinct of the DPPC (Department of Police for the Protection of Citizenship) Crimes Division, was requested by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office (MP-SP) and accepted by the Civil Police after reports of irregularities at the club's social headquarters, as confirmed by Gazeta Esportiva.

Recent Departure from the Board

It is worth noting that, in one of his first actions as president of São Paulo, Harry Massis decided to dismiss Dedé from the social board, and the parties reached an agreement for his departure shortly after Júlio Casares' resignation. The president appointed Toninho Andrade to take over the position previously held by Dedé.

Investigations in São Paulo

This is the third investigation conducted by authorities involving São Paulo Futebol Clube in recent months. The Civil Police also launched an inquiry to investigate an alleged illegal ticket sales scheme for shows in a suite at Morumbi, which resulted in the suspension of Mara Casares (female, social, and events director of the club) and Douglas Schwartzmann (assistant director of the youth division).

In another branch of the investigation, the Police are also investigating a possible embezzlement of funds in athlete sales, as well as the withdrawal of R$ 11 million in cash from the club's coffers between 2021 and 2025. Former São Paulo president Júlio Casares is also a target of the authorities for allegedly receiving R$ 1.5 million in cash between January 2023 and May 2025.

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