Striker Ferreira, from Grêmio, entered into a controversy when he posted an image of a bet on his social networks. The case raised a discussion about the connection between players and bookmakers, as FIFA prohibits people involved with the sport from placing bets.
Grêmio forwarded an internal document explaining to players, of all categories, that they cannot participate in betting, as well as making posts about this sector. The team pointed out that in case of non-compliance with the internal rules, fines may be applied.
“With the arrival of betting on sports and, in particular, football, there has been an explosion of opportunities, new businesses are emerging all the time. What cannot be lost sight of is that this ecosystem only remains active if the sport remains intact”, Rafael Marcondes, lawyer and director of government relations at ABRADIE (Brazilian Association for the Defense of the Integrity of Sport) told Portal Uol.
“Without sport, everything that revolves around it falls to the ground. Measures that prevent match-fixing and preserve the integrity of the sport are urgent. Part of the regulation of the sports betting industry is due to come out soon. But sports organization entities and clubs need to start acting”, he added.
The lawyer pointed out that the document drawn up by Grêmio can make a difference for athletes and members of technical commissions. “Preserving the sporting environment involves providing information. Investing in education. May this unfortunate case experienced by Grêmio and its athlete serve as an example for other professionals, clubs and sports entities, so that they can anticipate any incident and immediately adopt preventive educational measures”, he added.
According to Uol, one of the teams that promotes intense educational work in the base categories is Ibrachina. Created in 2020 from a social project, the organization aims to become one of the main players trained in the country. With that in mind, the club promotes daily informative work on off-field factors that can affect careers.
“Respecting the entire training process of the athlete, Ibrachina makes a point of updating itself on the harmful issues that can harm the sport and the athlete. , however, today taking on a much greater proportion than in the past”, revealed Henrique Low, president of Ibrachina.
“The speaker Mauro Costa, who is part of the Union of Football Athletes of São Paulo, talked to our athletes about the negative effects that handlers bring to the sport and to the athlete. Mauro Costa was one of the few Brazilians who took a course with Interpol that enabled him to have direct contact and the confidence of athletes to teach players to recognize, resist and denounce manipulators”, added Low.
What do Fifa and CBF say about the relationship between players and bookmakers?
In addition, the Sports Justice has sanctions when the relationship between players and bookmakers exceeds the limits imposed by FIFA. The maximum football entity establishes a fine of at least 100,000 Swiss francs (R$ 550,000) and banishment from the sport for up to three years for players, referees and officials who place bets on football matches.
The General Competition Regulation (RGC) of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also reserves punishments for those who disrespect the rules in force and put sporting integrity at risk.
Art. 65 – In order to avoid manipulation of the results of matches, or the occurrence of a fact or specific events during the course of the match, illicit conduct practiced by athletes, coaches, members of the coaching staff, managers and team members will be considered of arbitration and all those who, directly or indirectly, may influence the outcome of matches, the following behaviors:
I – bet on yourself, or allow someone close to you to do so, on your opponent or in a football match.
