Flamengo’s Bruno Henrique suspended in betting case
Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice declared that Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique violated ethical standards in a betting-related incident and he has been suspended for 12 matches and fined BRL60,000.
The decision was an eight-hour hearing, with four judges voting in favor of the sanction and one against.
Henrique was found guilty under Article 243-A of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice for deliberately receiving a yellow card during a 2023 match against Santos at the Mané Garrincha stadium, a move that apparently benefited bettors.
The ban applies to the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores. If Flamengo’s appeal is unsuccessful, and the team does not advance in the continental competition, the forward would only be eligible to return on 3 December in another match against Santos.
The Supreme Court of Justice cleared Henrique of directly manipulating the outcome. However, it did declare that his actions were unethical and gave the minimum penalty. The maximum was a two-year suspension and a fine of BRL200,000.
Henrique denied wrongdoing during the hearing and said, “I never committed the infractions of which I am being accused.”
The investigation also involves his brother, Wander Nunes, and other relatives accused of placing bets on the caution. Police said phone messages revealed Henrique acted intentionally, and his brother encouraged him to gain financially.
The striker faces a criminal trial for sports fraud, which carries a possible prison sentence of two to six years.
Flamengo also recently broke a sponsorship record in Brazil, when it secured a sponsorship with sports betting operator Betano.
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