To ensure the involvement of athletes in the fight against manipulation of game results, Flamengo created a series of rules to contribute to sports integrity. To guide players and coaching staff, the club held a lecture last week to educate everyone on the subject.
The first meeting addressed manipulation of results with a view to sports betting and doping in the sports world. A lawyer with years of experience in football, Marcos Motta said that new meetings like this should take place throughout the season.
“The idea today was to talk to the professional team and the coaching staff based on a principle we call ongoing education. Professional soccer players need to be aware of these issues, which are so present in the day-to-day of soccer today, whether professional or amateur.”
“There are topics involving sports integrity, sports betting, doping cases and disciplinary issues. Our intention was to clarify some of these points with practical, clear and real examples of what happens in the day-to-day of sports courts, so that the approach is preventive and not reactive,” said Motta.
The executive director of the Rubro-Negro soccer team, José Boto, was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. According to him, the players absorbed well what was explained, especially in relation to two topics that are very present in today’s soccer.
“The talk was very useful, as it addressed extremely relevant topics today, especially sports betting and doping. It was essential that the athletes listen to experts on the subject and understand all the necessary precautions to avoid falling into these traps. I was very satisfied.”
Flávio Willeman, who is not only the club's VP but also a state attorney, highlighted the importance of talking to the athletes as Flamengo prepares for the start of the national and international season, which will last until the last days of 2025.
In addition to the Brazilian Championship and the Brazilian Cup, the two-time Rio de Janeiro champion will also compete in the Libertadores and the FIFA Club World Cup. The debut in the South American competition will take place on April 4, against Deportivo Táchira, in Venezuela, after a 1-1 draw in the Brazilian Championship last Saturday (29) against Internacional.
“This meeting is part of the improvement of professionalism, not only of the legal department and of Flamengo’s football professionals, but also of the athletes, who need to be increasingly informed and supported. We are starting a long season and it is essential that they know what they can and cannot do, as well as the consequences of their actions. The idea is that this also extends to the youth categories and women’s football, ensuring the same preparation and due legal attention,” added Willeman.
A lawyer who has been defending the club’s interests for years, Michel Assef Filho said that the players need to understand and adapt to issues related to the game’s regulations. “The players need to know what the infractions are and what excessive behaviors are not tolerated by the Sports Court auditors. This helps the athletes avoid problematic situations on the field,” he concluded.
Source: GMB
