Flamengo’s Bruno Henrique handed 12-match ethics ban but still faces court for match-fixing charges

 

Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique has been suspended for 12 matches because of a violation of sports ethics, but will still face a criminal trial over alleged match fixing. 

After a marathon hearing, Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) slapped the player with a 12-game suspension after he was charged with spot fixing in a 2023 Brasileirão match against Santos at Mané Garrincha Stadium.

He was acquitted of deliberately manipulating and damaging a team, but the court found him guilty of “acting contrary to sports ethics.” He was also fined R$ 60,000 (€9,421).

In a statement, the player said: “The votes of some of the auditors for the acquittal of Bruno Henrique show that there is serious doubt in the Court against the prosecution, in favour of the defense.

“The athlete’s defense will request a stay of execution and will file an appeal so that the STJD plenary can definitively judge the matter, trusting that justice will be reestablished with the athlete’s acquittal.”

Henrique, 34, will still face a criminal trial. In April, Brazil’s federal police indicted Henrique on charges of sports fraud. He faces accusations under Article 200 of the General Sports Law, which criminalises manipulating or contributing to the manipulation of the outcome of a sporting event.

The case focuses on a game Flamengo lost 2–1 to Santos in 2023 when Henrique received a yellow card for a foul and then a second for insulting the referee. Police discovered several incriminating messages on the phone of his brother, Wander Nunes, who is also set to stand trial.

If convicted, Henrique could face a prison sentence of two to six years.