Corruption scandals lead to removal of Corinthians' president
In a significant development, former Corinthians president Andrei Melo has been ousted from his position following serious criminal accusations. The vote to remove Melo was confirmed at the club's annual general meeting on August 10, 2025.
Melo, aged 61, has been charged with criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and theft, according to official results released by Corinthians. These charges are based on information from legal sources and relate to corruption allegations during Melo's tenure.
The ousting of Melo followed an investigation into a sponsorship deal with the Vai de Bet gambling platform, which is currently under investigation. However, as of August 2025, no new information is available about the status of this sponsorship deal. The available reports focus exclusively on Melo's criminal charges and his removal from Corinthians.
Despite these challenging times, Corinthians, a high-profile club with a rich history, continues to make headlines. The seven-time Brazilian champions have had star players such as Garrincha, Rivelino, Socrates, Roberto Carlos, and Javier Mascherano. The club also boasts a strong support base, with president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva among its high-profile supporters.
Melo made a notable move last year by bringing in Dutch international Memphis Depay to the club. However, his tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. Prosecutors have demanded that Melo and other suspects in the case repay approximately US$7.2 million to the club, which documents show belonged to Corinthians.
Investigations revealed that Melo set up a network of fake companies to divert money from the financially struggling club. The general assembly voted 1,413 to 620 to remove Melo, marking a significant shift in the club's leadership.
As of now, the future of Corinthians is uncertain. The club is currently 12th in the table, a far cry from its past glories. However, with a new leadership in place, there is hope for a brighter future. The club will undoubtedly face challenges ahead, but with its rich history and dedicated fans, it is poised to overcome them.
- Although the corruption allegations and financial mismanagement marred Melo's tenure, his move last year to bring in Dutch international Memphis Depay to Corinthians was notable.
- Corinthians, named after the city in ancient Greece with a fame for sports, continues to navigate challenges despite the ousting of former president Andrei Melo, who was removed from his position due to criminal charges related to his management.
- The new leadership at Corinthians, following Melo's removal, will face hurdles as the club tries to recover and reinstate its place in European-leagues, such as Serie-A, where the Brazilian club has aspired to compete.
