Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: CPI Hears ex Referee, ex VAR and Businessman Accused of Manipulation

Brazil.- July 8, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com The CPI for the Manipulation of Games and Sports Betting will collect three statements at the meeting on Tuesday (9), starting at 3:30 pm. In the first part of the meeting, former football referee Manoel Serapião Filho and former VAR official Rômulo Meira Reis will be heard. William Pereira Rogatto will then testify, who is being investigated by the Public Ministry and the Federal Police on suspicion of participating in game manipulation.

Former FIFA referee, Manoel Serapião Filho will appear at the CPI after approval of a request from senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ). According to the senator, Serapião is one of the creators of VAR in Brazil and should speak about obligations imposed by the National Football Confederation (CBF) on referees. Rômulo Reis was also invited to the CPI at Portinho’s request.

“Rômulo Meira Reis, in his previous role as VAR integrity officer, has technical and practical knowledge of the protocols and procedures associated with the operation of the system. Your call as a witness will allow this CPI to obtain valuable clarifications on issues such as the education and training of video referees, the consistent application of VAR protocols and any measures adopted to guarantee impartiality and transparency in arbitration decisions”, says Portinho.

William Rogatto testifies to the CPI at the request of the collegiate rapporteur, Senator Romário (PL-RJ).

According to the Public Ministry, says Romário, Rogatto presents himself as an athlete businessman, “but has operated underground as a professional manipulator by co-opting players, selling arranged results and placing bets”.

The Federal Police has an investigation that shows messages from Rogatto “mentioning payments to enticed players, making fraudulent bets and talking to interlocutors about the profits obtained”, records Romário.

“William Rogatto stands out for running, for at least four years, a powerful football results manipulation scheme operating in the states of São Paulo, Sergipe and the Federal District, which led him to figure prominently in two of the most important operations research conducted in Brazil. For these reasons, it is essential that this CPI collect the testimony of Mr. William Pereira Rogatto”, adds Romário.

Agência Senado (Reproduction authorized upon citation from Agência Senado) Source: Agência Senado

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