Flamengo Supporters’ Groups Formally Oppose Brazil’s Betting Ban

Eight large Flamengo football club supporters’ groups have formally opposed the government’s moves to ban sports betting in the country, and want to see a wider discussion of the possible implications of the ban on Brazil’s football. The statement, released on social media after protests during the Fla-Flu derby, voiced concerns about the financial sustainability of the sport with regard to Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026.

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Torcida Jovem do Flamengo, Raça Rubro-Negra, Flamanguaça, Império, Falange Rubro–Negra, Urubuzada, Nação 12 and FlaRuts signed this statement. The groups call themselves “signatory popular movements,” stressing that they are “not supporters’ groups.” They describe the ban as “an ‘own goal’ being set up against Brazilian football” and state that these institutions and communities need to be consulted in making such a broad statement.

Supporters Say Statement Is Not Partisan

As the presidential election reached its second round in Brazil, the groups tried to avoid getting involved in elections. The protest, in their statement, is not a partisan political protest or a bid to sway the outcome of the elections. Rather, it is a “legitimate and spontaneous” expression of concern over the future of football after what they refer to as the “hasty prohibition of BETS in the country.”

The decree, signed by the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on 25th Sept., bans the operation, intermediation, offering, and advertising of fixed-odds betting in Brazil and also amends Law No. 14,790/2023. The ban has been a central campaign talking point and has many implications for public policy, consumer protection and the sports industry that have been discussed by both sides.

Financial Dependence on Betting Sponsorships

Organized fans’ groups say that the economic impact on football is key. They said 15 of the 20 clubs in Brazil’s top-tier league (Série A) had legal commercial ties with betting license holders. They also report that betting accounts for about one-third of the top division’s commercial income, according to UOL reports.

“What we want to demonstrate is that the financial structure of Brazilian football today is inextricably linked to BETS,” the statement says.

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The groups acknowledge that football existed before betting companies became major sponsors. “Yes, Flamengo, for example, became world champions without them,” they write. However, they compare the argument to the historical development of electricity, noting that having lived without it in the past does not mean society could function the same way today. “The analysis cannot be reductionist or limited to catchy sound bites,” they conclude.

Gambling Harm Recognized, but Approach Questioned

The statement states that it is not to be interpreted as a manifesto for betting companies and does not necessarily oppose prohibition in itself. Instead, the groups are calling into question the government’s approach to the issue and its “irrational and abrupt” decision, which does not take into account the broader implications.

They recognise that gambling and its associated harms are significant issues. But these issues are not to be regarded in isolation from the economic and institutional impacts of the policy, they say. They suggest that there should be a wide public discussion, with appropriate parties, before the ban or further implementation.

Fla-Flu Protest Brings Opposition Into the Spotlight

The joint statement came on the day of demonstrations against the betting ban during the Flamengo–Fluminense derby on Sunday, October 11, which was broadcast on TV Globo. The protest helped to make the dispute part of a prominent national sporting event.

The intervention of the organized groups brings more voices to the broader dissent voiced by football clubs, industry groups and workers who are worried about the measure. They are telling the government that tackling harm from gambling shouldn’t compromise the financial viability of Brazilian football, and a policy of this size should be implemented with genuine consultation of those who are impacted.

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Source: BNL Data