Vasco da Gama seeks court approval to sell 90% of new SAF for over R$2 billion

Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama and its current SAF filed a petition in Rio de Janeiro’s 4th Business Court requesting authorization to launch a competitive process for the sale of 90% of a newly created SAF that will hold the club’s football assets. The reference proposal calls for a mandatory capital injection of at least R$500 million, payable in five annual installments, plus R$120 million for the professional training centre and R$30 million for youth‑category infrastructure, bringing direct investment to roughly R$650 million. Almirante Participações e Empreendimentos S.A. has been named the “stalking‑horse” bidder, with a bid that reportedly exceeds R$2 billion and includes assuming part of the club’s debt and cash‑flow obligations. The sale is presented as essential to address liquidity constraints, meet the terms of Vasco’s judicial recovery plan, reinforce the squad during the transfer window and reduce the risk of relegation. A separate arena study by WTorre and Live Nation, targeting sites in Vila Olímpica and Deodoro, is linked to the potential ownership change, but the arena would not belong to the SAF itself.

The court’s decision will determine whether the competitive auction can proceed, potentially reshaping the club’s financial structure and its future in Brazilian football.