Vitória president says betting restrictions threaten R$45m sponsorship plan

Vitória president Fábio Mota said betting restrictions introduced in Brazil without a transition period have forced the Série A club to restructure its finances, according to a report of his remarks. Mota said the club had planned its budget around R$45m in betting sponsorship revenue and is now seeking other sources of income.

Mota said Vitória has been losing R$3m a month since the restrictions took effect. He said a transition period would have allowed clubs to adapt their budgets or given betting operators time to honour existing contracts until they expire.

Mota said advertising boards at match broadcasts can no longer generate betting-related revenue, which he said totals R$9m this year and would have risen to R$45m next year under a contract. He said the sponsorship agreement was due to expire in December 2027.

Mota said unpaid obligations, including labour contracts, could lead to sanctions such as a transfer ban. He said the club also owes R$15m to Grêmio and that the combination could become a problem by December next year.

Vitória is looking for new commercial partners and to sell some players to cover the deficit, Mota said. He said replacing the betting sponsorships would be difficult because other brands pay much less, with the betting market having paid three times more than other sponsors.