Almirante Participações wins auction for 90% of Vasco SAF

Almirante Participações, led by businessman Marcos Lamacchia, has been declared the winner of the auction for 90% of Vasco da Gama's football corporation (SAF). The judicial decision was ratified on Friday, September 25, in Rio de Janeiro. Lamacchia acted as the 'stalking horse' bidder, and since no other competing offers were formalized, his proposal was upheld.

The total transaction is estimated at approximately R$ 3 billion. The investment plan includes R$ 500 million specifically for the football department, to be paid in annual installments of R$ 100 million between 2026 and 2030. These funds are prohibited from being used to settle old debts. Additionally, the project commits R$ 120 million to the training center over ten years and R$ 30 million to youth categories over two years.

Despite the judicial victory, the sale is not yet finalized. It must undergo several internal and regulatory steps, including approval by Vasco's Deliberative Council and an Extraordinary General Assembly. Furthermore, the National Agency for Regulation and Sustainability of Football (Anresf) is investigating a potential conflict of interest, as Lamacchia is the stepson of Palmeiras president Leila Pereira.