# Grêmio disciplinary proceedings in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/grmio-disciplinary-proceedings-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-10-22T23:06:34.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 3.

Grêmio football club has faced multiple disciplinary actions before the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) involving high-level personnel.

In late September, CEO Alexandre Leitão faced judgment following social media comments directed at Botafogo. After a match in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Leitão accused the club of being “robbed” and referred to Botafogo as a “time de picaretas” (team of crooks). He faced potential charges under the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice for offenses to honor and conduct contrary to sports ethics, with combined penalties potentially reaching a 270-day suspension.

In October, the club faced further legal scrutiny regarding defender Walter Kannemann. The Argentine player was denounced for an alleged gesture accusing a refereeing crew of theft during a match against Cruzeiro. 

On October 22, the STJD's Second Disciplinary Commission issued a ruling regarding Kannemann. The rapporteur, Ana Luiza Ralil, downgraded the charge from an offense against honor to conduct contrary to sports ethics. Ralil noted that video evidence was inconclusive regarding the specific gesture described in the referee's report, applying the principle of “in dubio pro reo”. Consequently, the penalty was converted into a warning. While Kannemann will serve an automatic suspension for the match against Coritiba, he is expected to be available for the match against Athletico-PR on October 29.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Walter Kannemann avoids long suspension from STJD

Grêmio defender Walter Kannemann avoided a multi-match ban after the STJD downgraded charges regarding a controversial gesture during a match against Cruzeiro.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/walter-kannemann-avoids-long-suspension-from-stjd

### 2026-10-20: Grêmio defender Walter Kannemann faces STJD tribunal

Grêmio defender Walter Kannemann faces a potential four-to-six match suspension and a fine following allegations of making a theft-related gesture toward referees during a match against Cruzeiro.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-defender-walter-kannemann-faces-stjd-tribunal

### 2026-09-23: Grêmio CEO faces STJD trial over Botafogo insults

Grêmio CEO Alexandre Leitão faces potential suspension of up to 270 days after calling Botafogo a “team of crooks” following a recent Brasileirão match.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-ceo-faces-stjd-trial-over-botafogo-insults

---
Cite as: Grêmio disciplinary proceedings in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/grmio-disciplinary-proceedings-in-brazil