Vasco da Gama prepares for SAF sale to Almirante Participações

Vasco da Gama is moving toward a major structural change as Almirante Participações, led by Marcos Lamacchia, nears the acquisition of the club’s SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol). Mário Junqueira, a partner in the deal, described the upcoming transition as the “largest project in South America,” noting that plans are already in motion for 2027 regarding the squad, youth academy, and training facilities.

The deal involves Almirante Participações acquiring 90% of the SAF shares. To finalize the sale, club members must vote on October 23 to approve both the ownership transfer and a change to the social statutes that would reduce the associative club’s minimum stake from 20% to 10%. The agreement includes a minimum investment of R$ 500 million in football through 2030, plus R$ 150 million dedicated to infrastructure.

Despite progress, the transaction faces regulatory scrutiny. The National Agency for Regulation and Sustainability of Football (Anresf) is investigating potential conflicts of interest, as Lamacchia is the stepson of Palmeiras president Leila Pereira. The sale also requires final approval from the CBF’s financial fair play agency.