Cuiabá wins R$ 18.6 million judgment against Santos

The National Dispute Resolution Chamber (CNRD) of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has ordered Santos FC to pay Cuiabá Esporte Clube R$ 18,616,377.46. The debt stems from the 2023 transfer of defender Joaquim to Santos and his subsequent sale to Tigres in Mexico.

Cuiabá President Cristiano Dresch has criticized the current financial landscape of Brazilian football, labeling the ability of indebted clubs to remain in the top tier as “estelionato esportivo” (sports fraud). He argued that existing penalties, such as transfer bans, are insufficient and advocated for more severe sanctions, including the deduction of league points.

Cuiabá reports total outstanding receivables exceeding R$ 40 million from various major clubs, including Corinthians, Grêmio, and Sport. The club noted that these unpaid debts have severely impacted its cash flow and operational planning. Santos has contested the public exposure of the dispute, stating that the matter is being handled through appropriate legal and institutional channels.