O (Public Ministry of São Paulo) investigates, president of (São Paulo Football Federation)on suspicion of fraudulent management, misrepresentation and money laundering. The investigation investigates the sale of a cleaning services company for R$15.5 million, of which R$11.5 million was paid in cash. The investigation is being carried out at the 23rd Police District of Perdizesin the capital of São Paulo.
According to prosecutors, payment in cash constitutes an atypical circumstance and is incompatible with ordinary commercial practices. The case involves possible violations of the Law on Crimes against the National Financial System and the tax order. The federation itself is identified as a victim of the alleged irregularities.
Carneiro Bastos has presided over the federation since 2015, after Marco Polo Del Nero left to head the (Brazilian Football Confederation). He was re-elected by acclamation in 2018 and 2022. The FPF will hold a new election on March 25 for the term from 2027 to 2030. The leader is a candidate for re-election, but faces opposition led by Wilson Marqueti Jr.which seeks to compete for command of the federation.
According to the Poder360the representation that gave rise to the inquiry was presented by a group linked to the opposition and reached the MP as a complaint. The federation’s defense stated that there was no prior request for information before the opening of the procedure. The FPF maintains that all transactions in the operation were by bank transfer registered and declared to the Federal Revenue Service and that there was no payment in cash. The federation also says that it will collaborate with the authorities when formally notified.
Carneiro Bastos’ defense stated that the allegations are part of a political strategy and that the leader never faced criminal proceedings.
Here is the full position of Reinaldo Carneiro Bastos:
“The São Paulo Football Federation will have an election on March 25th, in a campaign that I have the honor of receiving support from almost 100% of the clubs and leagues to re-elect me. The entire electoral college, the people I live with and work with know my fairness and correctness. Still, unfortunately, we are facing the dirty game of an adventurer who has no votes.
Through a citizen called Joel Passos, a former deputy auditor of the TJD-SP, the aspiring candidate Wilson Marqueti Jr. has been trying to influence the electoral process with his only flag being an empty and slanderous denunciation against my honor and image.
After suffering several setbacks in court in relation to Petrobras’ sponsorship contract for women’s football in São Paulo, Marqueti’s representative made another false attempt. The scribble sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, a pile of inventions, now deals with my family heritage.
During my professional career of more than 50 years, I have never been paid in kind. Contrary to what my detractors suggest, I did not receive any real cash from the sale of Milclean’s stake. According to the company’s purchase and sale contract, the entire operation, spread over 60 months, was carried out via registered bank transfer and declared to the Federal Revenue Service. All my income tax returns have been submitted and approved by the authorities. And I never responded to any criminal case.
I started working at 14 years old. I started my career as a football manager when I was 18 years old. My entire history and heritage were built with my personal work and that of my family. In this way, I will prosecute the slanderers for the unfounded accusations.”
