Flamengo forward Bruno Henrique has been handed a 12-match suspension and fined R$60,000 ($11,100) following a hearing at Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
The punishment relates to accusations that the player deliberately received a yellow card during a 2023 Brasileirão match against Santos to benefit gamblers.
The STJD trial concluded with four of five auditors voting for the 12-match ban and R$60,000 fine, while one auditor favored a higher R$100,000 penalty.
Bruno Henrique has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and retains the right to appeal the decision.
The case stems from a match played at the Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasília during the 31st round of the 2023 championship. Bruno Henrique received a yellow card in injury time after committing a foul, subsequently complained to referees about the warning, and was then shown a red card.
Good to know: Among the alleged beneficiaries of the betting scheme was the player's brother, Wander Nunes Júnior
The STJD charged Bruno Henrique under articles 243 and 243-A of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice, which address acting dishonestly or fraudulently to influence match results.
Beyond the sports tribunal proceedings, the player also faces legal action in the Court of Justice of the Federal District on charges of sports fraud.
Key evidence in the case included messages exchanged between Bruno Henrique and his brother, obtained by Federal Police from Wander's mobile phone.
In August 2023 communications, Wander asked about yellow cards in the Brazilian championship, with Bruno Henrique responding "Against Santos." Later messages in December showed Wander discussing betting difficulties and requesting financial assistance related to the Santos incident.
The suspension comes at a sensitive time for Flamengo, which last month announced what has been described as the largest sponsorship agreement in Brazilian football history with operator Betano.
The deal, running until 2028, spans men's and women's football, Olympic sports and Flamengo TV.
The partnership highlights the growing intersection of gambling operators and football in Brazil, while Henrique's case underscores the ongoing scrutiny around integrity in the sport.
