Club members decide to form a partnership with a manager led by Pedro Mesquita, aiming to return to the main competitions
On Thursday (November 7, 2024), the partners approved the sale of 90% of the future SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol) to , a manager led by Pedro Mesquita. The event took place in Jundiaí, in the interior of São Paulo. The decision represents a milestone for the club, known as Galo da Japi.
The club gained prominence by winning the Copa do Brasil in 2005. However, it has been left out of the main competitions in recent years:
- the last participation in the 1st division of the Campeonato Paulista was in 2014;
- the last participation in the Brazilian Championship was in 2009, in Series D;
- the last participation in the Copa do Brasil was in 2012.
Recently, the club showed signs of recovery by winning the 5th division of the Campeonato Paulista, guaranteeing access to Series A4.
Pedro Mesquita’s role in the transformation
Pedro Mesquita, heading Exa Capital, has experience in SAF negotiations. He participated in the purchase of SAF do Cruzeiro by Ronaldo and helped in the sale of shares to Pedro Lourenço. The project for Paulista includes a 10-year partnership with the aim of repaying debts of around R$50 million and promoting the club’s return to the main divisions of state and national football.
Next steps and expectations for the club
The formal constitution of SAF, now majority controlled by Exa Capital, will be the next step after approval by the partners. The financial details of the transaction were not revealed.
Paulo André, former defender of clubs such as Corinthians and Cruzeiro, will be responsible for the creation of SAF and Paulista’s sports consultancy. He will work in collaboration with Mesquita.
