Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca has come under further scrutiny over her contract with Blaze during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a civil lawsuit filed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Federal District (MPDFT), Fonseca, who has more than 57 million followers across social media, received compensation that could amount to 30% of the losses generated by bettors who followed her recommendations.
Within the betting industry, this would amount to a standard revenue-share agreement, but prosecutors argue that the arrangement creates a significant conflict of interest, by financially rewarding the influencer when consumers lost money.
The lawsuit centers on content published during Argentina’s World Cup match against Cape Verde, where Fonseca allegedly encouraged followers to back the African side. Argentina ultimately won the match 3-2, resulting in losses for those who followed the recommendation.
The MPDFT also alleges that Virginia presented betting recommendations as if they were spontaneous opinions, rather than paid advertising and claims the commercial relationship with Blaze was tied to the financial performance of referred customers.
The lawsuit is part of a wider civil action seeking at least BR120m ($23m) in collective moral damages from both Blaze and Virginia. Prosecutors argue the operator relied on misleading advertising, promises of easy money and high-profile influencers to encourage betting activity.
Blaze said it had not yet been formally notified of the proceedings but remains committed to operating transparently and in compliance with Brazilian law.
Fonseca’s legal team rejected the allegations, arguing the Public Prosecutor’s Office should have waited for ongoing investigations to conclude before filing the lawsuit. Her lawyers also denied any conspiracy, predatory conduct or intention to harm consumers, saying the claims are based on assumptions rather than concrete evidence.
Brazil’s Government has introduced a new package of advertising restrictions for licensed betting operators, who must display one of three mandatory warnings: “Betting can cause addiction,” “Betting makes you lose money,” or “Betting is not an investment”
