Zona de Azar Brasil – Brazil: Ex-Fluminense Player Involved in Match-Fixing Seeks Reinstatement

Brazil – March 7, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com Former Fluminense defender Vitor Mendes, 26, who was suspended for 720 days due to involvement in a match-fixing scheme, has requested permission from the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) to resume his professional career. The player aims to return in order to cover his father’s medical treatment costs.

On Wednesday, the 5th, the player shared an image of his hospitalized father on social media and appealed to the court. In his post, Vitor spoke about his need to work and fulfill his father’s wish to see him play one more time.

“STJD, I need to be allowed to work and fight for my father’s life. Please accept my appeal for reinstatement. I have already served one year and seven months of suspension. My father’s last wish is to see me on the field before he passes,” Vitor posted.

The player was punished by the STJD after his name appeared in Operation “Penalidade Máxima,” which investigated match-fixing in Brazilian football. Vitor allegedly accepted a financial sum to receive a yellow card during a match between Juventude and Fortaleza in the 27th round of the 2022 Brazilian Championship.

As part of an agreement with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the player avoided criminal sanctions but received a 720-day suspension and a fine of R$ 70,000. Since his suspension, the defender has been trying to maintain his physical condition despite not being affiliated with a club.

Last season, Vitor trained at Remo’s facilities, even without being contracted by the club from Pará. Now, given his father’s health condition, the player hopes that the STJD will consider his request and allow his return to the field.

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com