Vasco da Gama SAF sale enters competitive bidding phase

A court in Rio de Janeiro has authorized the competitive bidding process for the sale of Vasco da Gama’s football corporation (SAF). Because Vasco SAF is currently under judicial recovery, a direct sale is prohibited, requiring a public auction to ensure transparency.

Marcos Lamacchia, through Almirante Participações, is currently the primary interested party. He has acted as a ‘Stalking Horse’ by presenting a base price for the competition. Negotiations involve the acquisition of 90% of the club's shares for a value exceeding R$ 2 billion.

The court has ordered the publication of a public notice to allow other interested parties to submit proposals, which may be done under secrecy. The judicial process aims to complete the alienation of UPI Equity, the unit holding control of the SAF, by September 4.

Additionally, the National Agency for Regulation and Sustainability of Football (Anresf) is monitoring the case to investigate potential conflicts of interest. The agency recently implemented precautionary measures regarding the club's financial relationships with Crefisa and Palmeiras.