Corinthians elections face legal hurdles and potential intervention

The presidential and Deliberative Council elections for the Brazilian sports club Corinthians, scheduled for November 28, face significant legal and administrative uncertainty.

A judge from the 5th Civil Court of Tatuapé, Renan Augusto Jacó Mota, suspended several electoral rules following a request to ensure transparency and democratic access. The court decision overturned four deliberations by the Electoral Commission, including the mandatory registration fees for candidates and the requirement for facial biometric identification for voters. Under the new ruling, members with proper documentation and photo ID may participate, and the club must provide a complete list of eligible voters without restrictions based on associative debts.

Simultaneously, Romeu Tuma Júnior, president of the Deliberative Council, warned that the elections might not take place if judicial intervention occurs. The São Paulo Public Ministry is currently investigating the club, with prosecutors Luiz Ambra Neto and André Pascoal overseeing the matter. This investigation could lead to a civil public action or a Conduct Adjustment Agreement (TAC). Additionally, efforts to reform the club's statutes remain stalled in court after the São Paulo Court of Justice suspended the assembly for the fourth time following appeals from life members.