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Brazilian clubs prepare joint STF challenge to betting ban

Brazilian football is closing ranks against the new betting ban with the Federal Supreme Court.

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Key Points
Clubs are preparing a joint action at the STF seeking to suspend the provisional measure and extend its implementation period
Sinafut is calling for a six-month transition, arguing the October 5 deadline could disrupt contracts and 2027 planning

Brazilian football clubs are preparing to join the legal challenge against the provisional measure banning fixed-odds betting.

The sector is expected to ask Justice Luiz Fux to participate in the case already before the Supreme Federal Court.

The clubs initially considered filing an individual action but now believe a collective approach would better protect contracts across the sector. 

The move would follow action by the National Union of Professional Football Associations (Sinafut), which represents clubs and football federations and has joined the case brought by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR).

Sinafut is seeking a six-month transition period before the ban takes effect. The organisation argues that the October 5 deadline falls during the final stages of national competitions and state decisions, when brand exposure and contractual revenues are at their highest.

It also says clubs are currently preparing their 2027 budgets and state championships, which begin in January, making a transition through the end of the 2026 season necessary for sporting and financial planning.

Betting revenue has become a significant part of Brazilian football finances. Fourteen of the 20 clubs in the top division have betting companies as their main shirt sponsors. Betano also holds the naming rights for both the Brazilian Championship and the São Paulo Championship.

Cuiabá Sports Club has supported the ban, arguing that clubs largely used betting revenue to increase player salaries rather than invest in infrastructure or reduce debt.

Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Série A and Série B clubs have also held an emergency meeting at the São Paulo Football Federation to discuss the measure.

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Betano is preparing legal action to protect its rights under its five-year license to operate in Brazil

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