Federal Deputy Pedro Paulo (DEM-RJ) is in a crusade to present and discuss with the parties' benches in the Chamber the points inserted in the project of the club-company. The rapporteur has heard suggestions and questions from parliamentarians before the entry of the text under discussion in plenary. It is not yet possible to specify when and if the document will go to vote, despite the support of the Chamber’s President, Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ).
“He's going through the benches presenting the project. People are exchanging ideas. It has already changed the project from what it was in the beginning. We are looking calmly. We have to consult the other side, which is clubs. It will have to be a project to help, bring transparency, management, make clubs stronger, giving them the option to decide what to do,” said Deputy Danrlei (PSD-RS), Chairman of the Chamber's Sports Commission.
In Pedro Paulo's ideal plan, the club-company would have been approved in October. But clubs demanded more time to discuss proposals, as the document is comprehensive, affecting tax and labor issues, for example. A month ago, the clubs signed a document in which they assessed that "the initiative is not mature enough to be put to immediate vote."
Club representatives, including Flamengo, also made some warnings during a hearing at the Chamber's Sports Commission. This brake given by the leaders has had an effect on some parliamentarians. But the point-of-view in Brasilia is that a political articulation that goes beyond the need for unanimity among the clubs over the text is possible.
“It depends a lot on the understanding of Rodrigo Maia and David Alcolumbre (Senate President). If they buy the idea – Maia is already in favor of it-, the project will pass with no problem (in plenary), even with the ‘big ones’ not wanting it. The proposal is very good for football,” said Federal Deputy Evandro Rogério Roman (PSD-PR).
The Senate president has already been to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to discuss the issue of the company-club. The entity, in turn, delegated the legal director, Felipe Santoro, to monitor the progress of the matter.
The rapporteur has already taken and inserted several points in the project. One of the topics of interest involves sports betting, the theme of a meeting with clubs today (Tuesday) in Brasilia. The event is headed by the Ministry of Economy and Pedro Paulo will attend. The possibility for clubs to market betting rights - broadcast rights of games highlights on gambling sites - is an idea to be incorporated into the club-company project text.
Source: GMB / Igor Siqueira - O Globo
