Corinthians stadium debt under investigation for alleged irregular charges

The Public Ministry of São Paulo (MP-SP) has opened an investigation into the financing of the Neo Química Arena, the stadium used by Corinthians. The probe follows a private expert report alleging that Caixa Econômica Federal may have applied irregular interest rates and charges, potentially totaling a difference of approximately R$ 255 million to R$ 402 million.

Aníbal Castelo Branco, the expert behind the report, claims that the club's debt might already be settled based on mathematical calculations that suggest abusive interest rates. The investigation aims to determine if the bank's calculations regarding the debt's evolution are accurate and whether there was any mismanagement by club officials.

Caixa Econômica Federal has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the financing contracts and subsequent renegotiations complied with all current legislation, technical evaluations, and internal governance and compliance standards. The club's current records indicate a debt of approximately R$ 630 million related to the arena.