Grêmio CEO faces STJD trial over Botafogo insults

Alexandre Leitão, the CEO of Grêmio, faces judgment by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) following controversial social media comments made after a 3-2 defeat against Botafogo in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Leitão accused the club of being “robbed” and referred to Botafogo as a “team of crooks” (time de picaretas) after a late goal by Carlos Vinícius was disallowed.

Leitão has been charged under two articles of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD). Under article 243-F, regarding offenses to honor, he faces a suspension of 15 to 90 days and a fine between R$ 100 and R$ 100,000. Under article 258, regarding conduct contrary to sports ethics and disrespect toward officiating, he faces a potential suspension of 15 to 180 days. Combined, the penalties could result in a suspension of up to 270 days.

Botafogo issued an official statement condemning the remarks as “absurd” and described Leitão as a “low-level professional,” noting that his comments exceeded the limits of mere frustration.