Zona de Azar Brasil – Brazil: The STJD Prosecution Files New Complaint

Brazil.- September 4, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com The STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) prosecution has filed a new complaint against the owner of Botafogo, John Textor. The court will judge the American for his statements about alleged match-fixing in the Brazilian Championship games.

The document charges the official five times under Article 243-F and once under Article 221. As a result, the maximum penalty could be 810 days of suspension and a fine of up to BRL 500,000.

Legal Consequences for John Textor

In July, the conclusion of the investigation suggested the manager’s sentence could be a six-year suspension and a fine of 2 million euros.

Thus, the entity reviewed the evidence presented and, with new developments, the SAF owner was again asked to submit his defense and responses to the 35 questions from the processing auditor, which are part of the investigation.

Articles Under Which Textor Is Charged:

• Article 243-F: Insulting someone’s honor in an act directly related to sports – reported five times. PENALTY: Fine ranging from BRL 100 to BRL 100,000 and suspension from one to six games, manifestations, or equivalents, if committed by an athlete, even if a substitute, coach, doctor, or technical staff member, and suspension for a period of fifteen to ninety days if committed by any other individual.
• Article 221: Addition of an inquiry or proceeding in the Sports Justice Court due to gross error or personal feeling – reported only once. PENALTY: Suspension from 15 to 360 days for an individual or, in the case of an administrative or sports entity, a fine ranging from BRL 100 to BRL 100,000.

Fraud Allegations in Matches

In March, John Textor claimed to have evidence of fraud in Brazilian Championship games and submitted it to the STJD for analysis during the investigation. Then, in April, the official published a text on his website stating that the match between Palmeiras and São Paulo had been rigged.

As a result, the investigation into the match-fixing allegations made by John Textor was initiated at the request of the following entities:

• The Office of the General Prosecutor for Sports Justice
• Palmeiras
• São Paulo
• The Union of Professional Athletes of São Paulo
• The National Association of Football Referees

In July, the investigation concluded the analysis of the material presented by Textor. That is, the entity evaluated the evidence that Textor claimed to have and considered it “invalid.”

Thus, it was also found that the actions of the official constitute sporting violations against the honor of seven sports entities, nine athletes, and nine referees.

Therefore, the final report states that “violations against sports ethics and personal motivation in the request to open an investigation were found,” according to the publication.

Editor: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com