The Sports Betting CPI, in its first meeting, took a significant step by approving the work plan proposed by Senator Romário (PL-RJ), the commission’s rapporteur.
At this meeting, parliamentarians approved 32 requests, which included invitations to testify and requests to share information.
Standing out among these requests was the invitation to businessman John Textor, owner of Botafogo, who made allegations about match-fixing in football. The businessman was summoned to appear at the CPI next Monday (22), at 3 pm.
The plan outlined by the rapporteur aims for a multifaceted approach, combining the collection of statements and the sharing of evidence. Furthermore, it aims to identify the criminal structures underlying the manipulation of results.
Senator Romário also expressed his intention to request the sharing of data already held by the Chamber of Deputies on the topic, in addition to seeking to identify legislative gaps and propose preventive measures through bills.
Furthermore, the CPI aims to suggest inspection measures for public entities to combat identified crimes, including, if necessary, proposing the indictment of individuals and suggesting punishments for companies involved.
The deadline established for the commission to operate, according to the plan presented by Romário, is until the month of October.
Sports Betting CPI as an inspection instrument
Romário substantiated his concerns by citing data from a survey conducted by the consulting firm Ernest & Young, which revealed that the football industry generates more than R$57 billion annually in Brazil.
He highlighted the cultural importance of football for Brazilian society. Thus, highlighting the need for effective supervision to safeguard the integrity of the sport.
“Football is more than a Brazilian national passion. Its social, political and economic importance goes beyond borders and mobilizes tens of millions of fans.
The selection chosen to participate in this CPI is made up of senators determined to discover the rot that exists in our football. Together, we will be able to provide a great response to society.”
The president of the commission, senator Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO), emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, involving various sectors, from companies to managers, players and referees.
Kajuru, who has extensive experience as a sports journalist, highlighted the role of the CPI as an instrument of oversight of the National Congress, despite the challenges that may arise.
“This CPI, I have no doubt, will make history. To stay in the language of football, it will not end in zero-zero. At the end of this CPI, Brazil will be better able to face corruption in football and, thus, maintain credibility of football, which is one of the biggest cultural manifestations in the country”.
Requirements
Therefore, the approved applications cover a wide range of requests, including the sharing of CBF information about matches suspected of being manipulated.
The CPI also issued invitations to key figures, such as the president of Vila Nova, São Paulo and Palmeiras, in response to the complaints presented by Textor.
