Grêmio's wage crisis and unpaid Wagner Leonardo fee spark club disputes

Grêmio admitted that player salaries and image‑rights payments are in arrears and said all outstanding amounts would be cleared by the following week. The club plans to use the €15 million (€88.5 million R) transfer of midfielder Viery to Fiorentina, along with a reduction in new signings and the decision not to renew captain Arthur, to meet its cash‑flow needs.

Esporte Clube Vitória, however, says Grêmio has still not paid the US$4.5 million (about R$26 million) due for the February 2025 transfer of defender Wagner Leonardo. Vitória’s president described the situation as “absurd” and has lodged complaints with the CBF’s financial‑fair‑play authority, seeking a resolution and warning of further sanctions if the debt remains unpaid.