Brazilian football clubs revamp SAF leadership

Esporte Clube Bahia has reappointed Lênin Franco to head its SAF's marketing and business division, replacing Rafael Soares. Franco returns after five years, bringing experience from Botafogo, Cruzeiro and the CBF, where he helped negotiate a 12‑year, US$100 million‑per‑year Nike supply contract.

Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas installed Estêvão Prates Benincá as president of the SAF’s Board of Directors. Benincá, a finance executive from Banestes, said, “Chego com a vontade de contribuir para que o Botafogo siga entre os protagonistas do futebol,” and highlighted the arrival of new investor Gabriel de Alba, noting the aim to strengthen the club’s structure and competitiveness. He will focus on governance, financial responsibility and long‑term vision, supervising the executive management without daily decision‑making authority.