Negotiation promises investment of R$1 billion and focus on structural improvements and debt settlement
The team moved forward with the signing of a binding proposal for the sale of SAF Sociedade Anônima do Futebol. Minas Gerais businessmen Vinícius Diniz and Márcio Cadar, after negotiations in Recife with the club’s board of directors, led by Bruno Rodrigues, finalized the agreement. The information was released by the club on Monday (13 January 2025)
The proposal, now signed, imposes obligations on both parties, providing for fines in case of withdrawal. It involves the transfer of 90% of the club’s shares, over a period of up to 15 years, for a value of R$1 billion. The investment will be applied to infrastructure improvements, such as the Arruda stadium and the Training Center, in addition to the settlement of the club’s debts by the new managers.
The procedure following signature involves a detailed review of the contract, known as due diligence. After this stage, the proposal will be taken to the Council and the General Assembly of Santa Cruz members for approval.
Although statutory changes in 2022 gave the club president autonomy to form the SAF, the decision will be submitted to internal bodies, demonstrating the commitment to transparency and democratic management.
Note from Santa Cruz
“The adoption of the SAF model, which has been gaining ground in Brazilian football, offers a financial and structural solution for clubs.
Santa Cruz Futebol Clube announces the signing of the binding offer for the sale of 90% of the institution’s Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) to Cobra Coral Participações S/A, which is managed by businessmen Marcio Cadar, partner of REAG Investimentos, a of the largest independent managers in Brazil with more than R$280 billion under management, Vinicius Diniz, former manager of Futbraz, a company with extensive experience in professional management in Brazilian football, as well as other businesspeople active in the financial market. The value involved in the operation is R$1 billion.
The club awaits the completion of due diligence and bureaucratic procedures, such as adjustments to the Judicial Recovery plan and approval by the general meeting of creditors, so that the transition can be completed and the management of SAF can be implemented. The investment foresees the modernization of the José do Rego Maciel Stadium (Arruda), the Training Center and the structure of the club’s youth categories, in addition to paving the way for the club to gradually return to the main divisions of the Brazilian Championship .
We understand that leaving the associative model is the best solution for Santa Cruz to be able to rewrite its history, in a healthy, responsible way and based on professionalism. We have a passionate fan base, with more than 4 million fans across the country. Through SAF, Santa Cruz will be able to reorganize its current debts, which will allow it to capture new revenue, an amount that will be invested in structural improvements and strengthening the club. For the tricolor fans, we want this date to be marked by the resumption of hope for a better future, in which the institution will once again occupy its prominent place in the northeastern and Brazilian sports scene.
We count on the strength of the fans to achieve our goals on the field, which will be fundamental for the work to come.”
