The Corinthians Deliberative Council scheduled the meeting to vote on the impeachment of President Augusto Melo for May 26. Romeu Tuma Júnior, president of the body, issued the call to resume the previously interrupted procedure.
Previously, on January 20, the vote was suspended due to lack of time. The admissibility of the impeachment was approved with a tight vote of 126 to 114, but the actual removal has not yet been voted on.
This development comes amid investigations into VaideBet, the club’s sponsor at the beginning of Augusto Melo’s administration. In addition, the rejection of the 2024 accounts and the departure of close directors have increased pressure on the president.
Investigation involving Corinthians and VaideBet
Last year, the press revealed irregularities in the transaction between Corinthians and VaideBet, when the São Paulo Civil Police began investigations. In March 2024, Corinthians deposited R$700,000 into the accounts of two companies.
A company, Rede Social Media Design Ltda, which is the intermediary for VaideBet’s sponsorship, belongs to Alex Cassundé. The documentation showed Edna Oliveira dos Santos as a partner, but with no connection to Alex. When speaking, Edna revealed that she lives in Peruíbe, and depends on Bolsa Família for support.
After June of last year, VaideBet terminated its contract with Corinthians through the anti-corruption clause. Since then, the Civil Police have continued to investigate the partnership between the club and the betting company.
Meeting procedure
On the 26th, before the vote, the chairman of the Ethics and Discipline Committee and Augusto Melo (or a defense attorney) will be able to speak for 30 minutes each. The councilors will decide on the removal in secret, using paper ballots.
Other ongoing processes
Augusto Melo is currently facing four impeachment proceedings. The most recent is supported by the Justice Commission and signed by Leonardo Pantaleão, former legal director. This process uses elements of the General Sports Law to request the immediate removal of the president for reckless management.
The Justice Committee bases its request on technical opinions from the Fiscal Council and CORI, which pointed out irregularities in the 2024 management. During this period, Augusto Melo’s financial balance sheet recorded a deficit of R$181 million, with total liabilities of R$829 million, of which R$407 million involve revenues receivable.
Before this request, Augusto Melo faced three lawsuits: one for more than 90 signatures, another recommended by CORI, and one filed by counselor Paulo Roberto Bastos Pedro.
