President Lula supports restrictions on sports betting only for the final score

According to the senator's proposal, betting would only be possible on the final result of the game.

Lula said he agreed with Kajuru's proposal after the senator mentioned the case of Flamengo player Bruno Henrique.

On Tuesday (5), the day before the interview, the Federal Police and Gaeco (Special Action Group to Combat Organised Crime), from the Federal District Prosecutor's Office, carried out an operation investigating the possible manipulation of cards to benefit sports bettors.

The main suspect is the Flamengo striker. Family members of the player, including his brother, cousin and sister-in-law, are suspected of having bet on one of the player's cards. Bruno Henrique is under investigation for a yellow card he received in the 50th minute of the 2023 Brazilian Championship match between Flamengo and Santos.

Soteldo, then with Santos, is close to the corner flag and dribbles over Bruno Henrique. The rubro-negro player tried to stop him, and referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein called a foul. After the yellow, Bruno Henrique received a straight red card for complaining. Santos won 2-1.

‘That's it, I think it's right. I think it's right because people can even manipulate the result of the game, but it's much more difficult than manipulating the yellow card, because the player can provoke the referee to get the yellow card,’ said Lula after the senator presented the proposal. 

Lula cited another case of suspicion related to betting, involving Lucas Paquetá.

The Brazilian international midfielder was accused by the FA (Football Association) of committing fouls in order to receive yellow cards in four Premier League matches in 2022 and 2023.

The aim, according to the prosecution, was to benefit friends of the player who bet on him receiving a yellow card in the matches.

‘I think your proposal is the most decent in the world, you bet on the result, that's it,’ Lula told Kajuru.