The STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) released to return to football three players who had been banned from the sport in 2023, for involvement with handling of illicit gains with bets. They are Ygor Catatau, former Vasco, Gabriel Tota, former Youth and Ypiranga-RS, and Romário, former Vila Nova.
The highest instance of the Sports Court, the full, evaluated the requests for rehabilitation of these athletes, who had harsh punishments just over two years ago. In the understanding of the auditors, the requirements for the compliance of the request were met, such as the payment of the previously stipulated fines and the submission of proceedings of suitability.
Catatau, Tota and Romário were targeted by Operation Maximum Penalty, triggered by the Goiás Public Prosecution Service, in May 2023 – Romário’s things gave rise to the investigation. The three received a penalty of fine and elimination in their initial trial, but struggled to recover the right to play and convinced the STJD.
“There is no other understanding except by full compliance with the requirements,” said Court’s Deputy Attorney General, Eduardo Araújo Rocha Ximenes. The three athletes in person accompanied the session in Rio de Janeiro, and showed emotion and relief with the possibility of returning to football.
