Textor: Palmeiras and São Paulo presidents called to testify in match-fixing scandal

Leila Pereira and Julio Casares to face questions on May 16 as part of ongoing investigation into corruption allegations in Brazilian football.
by
Desmond Efe-Khaese
2024-04-27 12:35:14

The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) into game manipulation in Brazilian football has called Palmeiras President Leila Pereira and São Paulo President Julio Casares to testify on May 16 at 9 a.m. Senator Jorge Kajuru, who chairs the CPI, underscored the urgency, stating, “We are committed to uncovering the truth behind these allegations.”

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++ John Textor tells Brazil Senate São Paulo players took bribes

++ Referees demand halt to Brasileirão over Textor claims

++ Brazil senate begins investigation into match-fixing allegations involving Textor and Palmeiras

Last week, John Textor, owner of SAF do Botafogo, testified before the commission, advocating for the use of artificial intelligence to detect suspicious behaviors among players. He claimed in a private session with senators, “Artificial intelligence could be pivotal,” and reportedly provided “very important evidence.”

Further testimonies are scheduled with Brazilian Football Confederation executives on April 29, including Hélio Santos Menezes Junior, Eduardo Gussem, and Jullio Avelar. Additionally, former referee Glauber do Amaral Cunha and ex-special advisor José Francisco Mansur will testify on May 13 and 14, respectively, as part of the ongoing efforts to address corruption in the sport.

Remembering Zagallo

Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.

The first three episodes are available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.