If the current tricolor president is removed, vice Harry Massis Junior will assume the position until the 2026 election
The impeachment process for the president of São Paulo, Júlio Casares, advanced after the president of the Deliberative Council, Olten Ayres de Abreu Júnior, forwarded the discussion about his removal to the club’s Advisory Council. This step takes place before a meeting where Casares can present his defense.
Composed of presidents and former presidents of the club and the Deliberative Council, including Olten and Casares, the Advisory Council suggested the date of January 12th for the discussion, but it still needs to be confirmed.
The proposed date comes just over a week before the deadline for Olten to call an extraordinary meeting of the Deliberative Council, where Casares can defend himself against the accusations. Among the points raised are poor budget management, selling athletes below market value and improper use of boxes.
The Advisory Council does not have the power to veto impeachment, but will provide an opinion that will be considered in discussions by the Deliberative Council.
Removal request
The removal request was filed on December 23, with 58 signatures, of which 13 are from advisors who previously supported Casares. For Olten to be forced to follow through on the request, 50 signatures were needed. Another movement, with 22 counselors, also called for removal, but did not have the same momentum.
After the protocol, the deadline for calling the extraordinary meeting began. If Olten does not convene within 30 days, his deputy, João Farias Júnior, will have 15 days to act. If he also abstains, a counselor who signed the request with more club experience will be responsible for calling the meeting.
Impeachment rules
For impeachment to be approved, a qualified majority of two-thirds of the Deliberative Council is required (171 of the 255 possible votes). If impeachment is approved, the president will be provisionally removed.
Within 30 days after the Council’s vote, a General Assembly of members will be called to ratify or not the decision, a simple majority being sufficient for this.
If Casares is removed, vice-president Harry Massis Junior will assume the presidency until the 2026 election. The election at the Morumbi club is indirect, with the councilors electing the new president.
Political crisis in São Paulo
The political crisis in São Paulo is fueled by a series of episodes that shook Casares’ management. Carlos Belmonte’s departure weakened the president’s support base, but the administration’s budget for 2026 was still approved.
However, the situation worsened after the leak of an audio that revealed a clandestine scheme for selling boxes at Morumbi during events. Directors Mara Casares and Douglas Schwartzmann, mentioned in the recording, stepped down from their positions. The São Paulo Public Ministry requested the opening of a police investigation, while the club initiated internal and external investigations.
Furthermore, the São Paulo Civil Police is investigating club directors for alleged misappropriation of funds in athlete sales. These scandals have increased internal tension and strengthened the opposition, which is seeking Casares’ removal and aiming for the 2026 election.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
