Sports Commission Boosts Incentives, Athlete Protection, and Betting ad Regulations
Brazil.- July 25, 2025 www.zonadeazar.com Promoting sports, limiting betting ads, and protecting women in stadiums were key issues debated and approved by Brazil’s Sports Commission (CEsp) in the first half of 2025. Several measures are ready for presidential sanction, including a bill strengthening the Sports Incentive Law, increasing income tax deduction limits and making the policy permanent.
The bill (PLP 234/2024), introduced by Felipe Carreras (PSB-PE) and reported by Senator Leila Barros (PDT-DF), CEsp President, will allow individuals to deduct up to 7% of income tax from 2028 when supporting sports projects, while businesses can deduct from 2% to 3%, increasing to 4% for social inclusion projects.
Clearer deduction rules will be established so states and municipalities can enact similar laws before the Goods and Services Tax (IBS) in 2033, aiming to increase resources for sports, especially grassroots development.
Since 2007, the Sports Incentive Law has raised around R$ 6 billion, with R$ 1 billion in 2024 alone. The law was sanctioned in 2006, regulated in 2007, and extended until 2027.
During a public hearing, Leila Barros emphasized the strategic importance of this policy to ensure funds reach those in need, from community projects to elite sports centers. Participants included Ana Moser (Atletas pelo Brasil) and Caroline Gomes Neves Carvalho (Sports Ministry).
Betting ad restrictions
CEsp addressed the impact of online betting legalization, approving a bill restricting electronic betting ads, banning the use of athletes, artists, and influencers in ads, and imposing time restrictions. The bill (PL 2.985/2023) by Styvenson Valentim was approved with Carlos Portinho’s favorable report.
Combating violence
A bill (PL 4.842/2023) was approved requiring football clubs receiving public funds to display anti-violence campaigns during events with over 10,000 attendees, with messages on screens and sound systems, featuring sports and cultural figures.
Valuing athletic careers
Another approved bill (PL 4.439/2024) requires clubs to educate youth about the short duration of sports careers, including academic training and psychological support from age 16. PL 3.047/2024 was also approved, exempting Olympic medalist prizes from income tax to encourage high performance.
Identity and image protection
CEsp approved PL 3.074/2024, ensuring clubs and athletes exclusive use of their names and symbols, even without INPI registration, protecting their commercial and sporting identity.
Additional debates
Discussions included supporting Olympic and Paralympic sports, gender inequality in sports, and criticism of vetoes on the General Sports Law by industry leaders.
Source: Agência Senado