Willian Rogatto, known as the “King of Relegation”, was arrested by Interpol last Friday (8), in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. The businessman is at the center of a complaint involving football and championships.
A of Gaming and Sports Betting Manipulation in the Senate was installed in April this year, and has an operating period until February 2025. From the CPI, .
In October, the board heard from athlete manager William Rogatto, who was being investigated by the Public Ministry of the Federal District and the Federal Police for fraud in the results of games in the Brasilia football championship.
During testimony, Rogatto revealed his participation in match-fixing in several leagues in Brazil. However, he revealed that he has already worked in other countries, uncovering an international network of corruption in sport.
“Occasion makes the thief”
In testimony at the CPI, William Rogatto said he made a fortune through the manipulation of football players and referees. Considering himself just “part” of an old and systemic mechanism, he claims that the scheme is bigger than him, and has existed for at least 40 years.
The businessman gave an interview to TVI, from Portugal, and stated that he discovered a loophole in football, which allows the use of undue profits, from the purchase of sports agents. In an article published by CNN PortugalRogatto states that “the occasion makes the thief”, and that is why he got involved in the scheme.
William Rogatto stated last October that he feared for his life, and that he was willing to collaborate with Brazilian justice to “pay for what he did”.
Mode of operation
Arrested last Friday and subject to an operation this Monday, Rogatto is known in football circles for managing players and working behind the scenes at clubs.
Summoned to testify, the businessman participated online, while residing in Portugal. He claimed to contribute to justice and states that the true owners of the scheme will not be punished.
To reach clubs, he states that he exploited those with financial difficulties, unable to maintain administrative commitments, and worked to buy advantages behind the scenes, helping the teams.
Among the revelations, the businessman states that the “scheme fell apart” after one of the players he manipulated decided to hand over the scheme, after being left aside by the businessman. Rogatto stated that over 14 years, he was responsible for bribing players and referees, in all states of Brazil, in addition to nine other countries.
A CNN tries to contact Rogatto’s defense.
