Ponte Preta faces R$ 367 million debt and insolvency crisis

Brazilian football club Ponte Preta is facing a severe financial crisis, with consolidated debts estimated at approximately R$ 367 million according to an independent audit. The club's legal director, José Henrique Specie, described the institution as being in a state of “almost insolvency.”

The financial instability has led to extreme austerity measures, including a new policy at the Moisés Lucarelli stadium limiting employees to consuming only one bread per day. The club is also facing legal issues such as a lawsuit from a bakery for unpaid debts and the seizure of its stadium and social club.

Operational deficits are significant, with monthly costs estimated at R$ 4 million against a monthly revenue of roughly R$ 1.2 million. While judicial recovery has been mentioned as a potential future option, officials noted that the club currently lacks the revenue capacity to present a viable payment plan. The club's transition to a Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) remains stalled due to these economic challenges.