Betting Investigation Leads to Precautionary Removal of Three Clubs from Rio de Janeiro's Serie C Championship

Three clubs competing in the Serie C division of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship have been precautionarily removed from the competition after investigations into suspicious betting activity uncovered what authorities described as atypical movements in the sports betting market.

The decision was issued by the Rio de Janeiro Sports Justice Court (TJD-RJ) as part of ongoing efforts to investigate potential irregularities involving matches in the tournament.

The ruling affects Ceres FC, Mageense FC, and Itaboraí Profute FC. The Football Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FERJ) confirmed the court's decision earlier this week and stated that it will comply with all judicial determinations.

The removal orders were signed by TJD-RJ President Dilson Neves Chagas following a request submitted by the Sports Justice Prosecutor's Office. The investigations were initiated after reports prepared by Sportradar identified betting patterns that were classified as atypical. Sportradar, a company specializing in monitoring sports betting activity and safeguarding sporting integrity, produced the reports that served as the basis for opening the disciplinary proceedings.

Each club is under investigation in connection with a different match played during the sixth round of the Waldir Amaral Cup. Mageense FC is being investigated over its match against Barra Mansa, while Ceres FC is facing proceedings related to its fixture against Tigres do Brasil. Meanwhile, Itaboraí Profute FC is under investigation in connection with its match against CAAC Brasil.

The Sports Justice Prosecutor's Office requested the preventive suspension of the three clubs while the investigations remain ongoing, and the presidency of the TJD-RJ granted the request. According to the court, the precautionary measure was adopted to protect the integrity of the competition until the investigations are completed.

The TJD-RJ emphasized that the preventive removal does not constitute a finding of guilt or an early conviction. The investigations will continue, and all clubs, athletes, and officials involved will retain the right to due process, including the opportunity to present their defense and challenge the allegations throughout the disciplinary proceedings.

In reaching its decision, the TJD-RJ relied on provisions contained in both the Specific Competition Regulations and the General Competition Regulations established by FERJ.

These regulations authorize the preventive removal of clubs that are cited in reports produced by independent companies specializing in sports integrity, allowing precautionary measures to be imposed before disciplinary cases are concluded.

FERJ confirmed that it will implement all measures ordered by the Sports Justice Court and will take the necessary administrative steps to ensure that the Serie C championship continues while the investigations into the suspected betting irregularities remain in progress.

By fLEXI tEAM