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Corinthians, one of the most prominent football clubs in Brazil, has removed its president, Anthony Melo, who is currently facing criminal allegations of theft and money laundering.
The Sao Paulo club voted during its annual general meeting on Saturday to dismiss Melo, who had previously been suspended.
Melo, 61, is facing charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and theft, according to legal sources. This decision followed an inquiry into a sponsorship arrangement with the Vai de Bet gambling company.
As reported by Brazilian media, evidence indicated that Melo created a series of fraudulent companies to siphon off funds that belonged to Corinthians, which is experiencing financial difficulties.
Prosecutors have required Melo and other implicated individuals to reimburse approximately $7.2 million to the club.
The general assembly’s vote resulted in 1,413 in favour and 620 against Melo’s removal, as per the official results shared by Corinthians, which counts President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva among its notable supporters.
The seven-time Brazilian champions are currently positioned 12th in the league standings. Their notable players have included legends like Garrincha, Rivelino, Socrates, Roberto Carlos, and, more recently, Javier Mascherano.
Melo secured the signing of Dutch international Memphis Depay last year.
