São Paulo football clubs and mayor clash over proposed betting ad ban

Councilor Lucas Ferreira introduced a municipal bill in São Bernardo do Campo to prohibit outdoor and digital advertising for fixed‑odds sports betting, citing concerns about gambling addiction and exposure of children. The proposal targets billboards, electronic panels, storefronts and public furniture, and will now proceed through the city council.

In São Paulo city, two bills (553/2025 and 560/2025) aim to restrict betting advertising across the metropolis. On July 24, São Paulo FC, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Portuguesa, Juventus and Nacional, together with the São Paulo Football Federation, sent a letter to Mayor Ricardo Nunes opposing the measures. They argue the rules could cost the sports industry more than BRL 1 billion, force clubs to redesign kits for national and international competitions, and give teams outside the city an unfair commercial advantage. The federation is seeking dialogue and a grace period for existing sponsorship contracts.