Last Tuesday (12), the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) for Sports Betting took an important step in the investigation. Parliamentarians approved requests to hear two renowned Brazilian football players: Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo, and Bruno Henrique, from Flamengo. But, although the dates have not yet been defined, expectations regarding his statements are high.
Suspicious sports betting and ongoing investigations
The president of the CPI, senator Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO), was responsible for summoning Luiz Henrique, which makes the player’s presence mandatory. But, on the other hand, an invitation request for Bruno Henrique, presented by senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE), was also approved.
These acts are part of a broader investigation into possible manipulations in sports betting involving athletes.
Luiz Henrique is already on the CPI’s radar due to his connection with transfers totaling R$40,000. These transactions occurred shortly after the player received yellow cards during his time at Betis, in Spain, in early 2023. The transfers came from family members of Lucas Paquetá, another Brazilian player who is being investigated in England for alleged illegal activities related to betting.
But, although Paquetá is not the only focus, Luiz Henrique does not face direct accusations in Brazil. Either way, the plight of both players raises questions about the integrity of the sport, amid growing evidence of match-fixing.
Bruno Henrique is the target of a PF operation
On the other side of the investigation, Bruno Henrique will also be able to give a statement, following the requests of Senator Kajuru and Eduardo Girão.
Recently, he was the target of a Federal Police operation investigating whether his actions in the field were deliberate. The accusation is that the player had received punishments in games that benefited family members in betting.
Suspicions have a major impact on the reputation, not only of the player, but also of the institution he represents. We cannot ignore them. Flamengo, one of the biggest clubs in the country, is following the entire process, but has already declared its support for the striker.
The CPI summoned businessman Willian Rogatto, arrested last Friday (08) in Dubai. The businessman earned the nickname “King of Relegation” after declaring that he was responsible for the relegation of 42 football teams in Brazil.
Its estimated revenue of R$300 million intensifies the mystery surrounding the world of sports betting. Another call-up was referee Jean Pierre Gonçalves Lima, who was away for 15 months due to a controversial move in a match between Athletico-PR and Palmeiras.
Senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), author of the request, is interested in knowing more about arbitration practices and their relationship with betting.
Bets CPI breaks confidentiality and hears new witnesses
The CPI did not limit itself to summonses and also decided to break the banking, telephone and telematic confidentiality of Bruno Tolentino, Lucas Paquetá’s uncle. Because, in a previous testimony to the Senate, he remained silent, supported by habeas corpus.
The investigation, at this time, intends to clarify the transactions related to Luiz Henrique. Furthermore, the board approved invitations for other personalities to appear as witnesses. Among them are:
- José Ferreira Neto, Craque Neto, former player and commentator for Grupo Bandeirantes;
- Reginaldo Gomes, president of Sociedade Esportiva Belford Roxo;
- Marcos Guilherme Falcão Rodrigues, president of Duquecaxiense Futebol Clube;
- Alexandre da Silva Crisóstemo, president of the São José Football Club;
- Bruno Lopez de Moura, businessman.
