Bruno Henrique got hit with serious punishment this week. The Flamengo forward received a 12-match suspension and BR$60,000 fine from Brazil’s sports tribunal.
The Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) made its ruling on September 4. But Henrique wasn’t alone in this mess.
His brother Wander Nunes Júnior also got caught up in the case. The STJD prosecutor went after seven other people too. Three amateur players were part of the complaint as well.
Why this case matters for Brazilian football
The whole thing started with a match on November 1, 2023. Flamengo played Santos that day. Henrique allegedly got himself a yellow card on purpose.
The idea was simple but illegal. Get the card, help betting activities make money.
Messages between the brothers became key evidence. Those texts showed up in the tribunal’s investigation. The timing looked suspicious – Henrique got his yellow in injury time, then a red card for arguing with the ref.
What punishment Brazil handed down
The 12-match ban represents just part of what Henrique faced. He could’ve gotten much worse. A full conviction might have meant a two-year suspension.
The potential penalties were scary. Twenty-four matches banned. Fines up to BR$200,000.
Flamengo tried to help their player earlier this year. The club asked for statute of limitations protection. That request failed badly – the STJD’s disciplinary commission voted 4-1 against it.
The tribunal based its decision on specific laws. Articles 243 and 243-A of Brazil’s sports justice code deal with match-fixing attempts.
How this affects Brazilian football’s future
This case isn’t over yet. A separate legal process continues at the Federal District’s Court of Justice. Same allegations, different court system.
The timing sends a message. Brazil’s sports authorities are taking betting corruption seriously. They’re not just talking about it anymore.
Other cases are popping up too. An Argentine third-division club got accused of match-fixing just three days after Henrique’s formal complaint.
The punishment shows Brazil won’t ignore betting-related corruption. Twelve matches means Henrique misses significant playing time. The BR$60,000 fine hits his wallet hard.
For Flamengo, losing a key forward creates problems. The team must adapt without one of their main attacking threats. Other clubs are watching this case closely. The message is clear – getting involved with betting manipulation brings real consequences.
