A sponsorship dispute between Corinthians and operator Pixbet has unexpectedly placed the São Paulo football club within the confidential financial files of Brazil's parliamentary inquiry (CPI) into irregular social security deductions by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS).
Although the club is not under investigation, its name appeared in a classified Financial Activities Control Council report obtained by the CPI.
The document listed a BR4m transfer from Corinthians to Nelson Wilians Advogados, the law firm defending Pixbet in a contractual dispute with the club.
Authorities suspect that Nelson Wilians, head of the firm, may be linked to a separate INSS fraud scheme involving illicit benefit deductions.
Corinthians and the law firm said the payment was for legitimate legal fees tied to Pixbet's sponsorship termination.
The club had rescinded its contract with Pixbet in early 2024 to sign a record deal with rival brand Vai de Bet, which later collapsed amid an unrelated investigation into alleged links to São Paulo's biggest organized crime faction PCC.
Pixbet was owed BR40m in compensation and Corinthians agreed to cover part of the legal costs.
Wilians, who has denied wrongdoing, accused the CPI of conducting a "defamatory campaign based on selective leaks" following the exposure of confidential data.
Corinthians recently discussed a record BR200m sponsorship deal with Betano, Flamengo's sponsor, as it seeks new partnerships in the betting sector.
Pixbet was Flamengo's main sponsor until August 2025, the club ended the contract earlier before signing with Betano.
The controversy underscores the growing legal and political scrutiny surrounding Brazil's high-value betting sponsorships in professional football.
Pixbet was under investigation for offering illegal wagers on the election of the Pope earlier this year
