In a shocking turn of events for Brazilian football, Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique has been indicted by the Federal Police for his alleged involvement in a sports betting fraud scheme. The indictment, which occurred on Monday, April 14, 2025, also implicated ten other individuals, including family members of the player.
The case revolves around a controversial match that took place during the 2023 Brasileirão season, where Flamengo faced off against Santos in a game that ended in a 2-1 victory for Santos. Reports indicate that Henrique had signaled to his family that he intended to receive a yellow card during the match, a move that would allegedly benefit those who had placed bets on such an outcome.
According to the Federal Police, the investigation revealed a complex web of betting activities involving Henrique's relatives. His brother, Wander Nunes Pinto Junior, reportedly placed a bet of R$ 380.86, which returned R$ 1,180.67 when Henrique received the yellow card. Similarly, his sister-in-law, Ludymilla Araújo Lima, made two bets—one of R$ 380.86 and another of R$ 500—resulting in returns of R$ 1,180.67 and R$ 1,425 respectively. Cousin Poliana Ester Nunes Cardoso also placed a bet of R$ 380.86, netting the same return as Wander.
The Federal Police's investigation involved analyzing 3,989 WhatsApp conversations on Henrique's phone, many of which were found to be deleted or empty, raising suspicions about possible attempts to conceal evidence. However, messages retrieved from his brother's phone indicated that Henrique was indeed involved in discussions about receiving a yellow card in the match against Santos.
One particular exchange from August 29, 2023, stands out. Wander asked Henrique if he had received two yellow cards in the league, to which Henrique replied affirmatively. The conversation continued with Wander joking about saving money for an "investment" that would succeed if Henrique received a card during the game against Santos. This conversation was pivotal in establishing a connection between the player and the betting scheme.
In light of these developments, the implications for Bruno Henrique and his career could be severe. The possibility of a ban from football looms large, as the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) may impose strict penalties. In 2023 alone, five athletes faced bans and fines ranging from R$ 10,000 to R$ 80,000 for similar offenses. Others received two-year suspensions, and some, like Eduardo Bauermann and Alef Manga, were handed one-year bans but have since returned to the sport.
Bruno Henrique's situation is not isolated. Other Brazilian players, such as Luiz Henrique and Lucas Paquetá, are currently under investigation for allegedly manipulating matches by receiving yellow cards to benefit bettors. The ongoing scrutiny of Brazilian football's integrity raises concerns about the potential for further revelations and the need for stricter regulations surrounding sports betting.
As the Flamengo club grapples with this scandal, they released a statement emphasizing their commitment to fair play and the principle of presumption of innocence. They noted that they had learned of the situation through the media and had not received any official communication from authorities. Flamengo has yet to confirm whether Henrique will participate in their upcoming match against Juventude on April 16, 2025.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing sports organizations in maintaining integrity amid the growing prevalence of betting in sports. With the stakes higher than ever, the fallout from this case could have lasting effects on the players involved and the broader Brazilian football landscape.
