On September 17, the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) released a statement titled "The End of Brazilian Football" amid rumors of a significant tightening of regulations in the betting industry. According to the federation, investments from licensed operators have become one of the main sources of income for sports in the country, helping Brazilian clubs to excel in continental tournaments.
The FPF emphasizes that the investments from operators benefit not only top clubs but also teams from lower divisions and smaller cities. A sharp decline in revenue would first impact training centers, social projects, women's football, and academies. The federation argues that due to regulation, Brazil has ceased to be a global leader in match-fixing, and a blow to the legal market could drive players towards illegal operators.
The statement also highlights that contracts and long-term plans of clubs were formed based on rules established by the state itself.