São Paulo FC President Impeached Amidst 'Reckless Management' Allegations
Julio Casares, president of São Paulo Football Club, was impeached by the club's deliberative council on Friday, January 16, 2026, following a vote that saw 188 council members vote in favor of his removal. The decision came after a series of accusations of 'reckless management' (gestão temerária) and alleged financial irregularities during his tenure.
The vote, held at the MorumBIS stadium, involved 235 council members, with 45 voting against the impeachment and two casting blank ballots. The motion required 170 votes, representing two-thirds of the total possible votes, to pass. This marks the first time in the club's history that a president has been removed from office.
Accusations and Investigations
The impeachment request was primarily driven by several serious allegations against Casares' administration. Key among these were accusations of:
- Successive budget non-compliance and a significant increase in the club's debt, which reportedly exceeded R$ 968.2 million by the end of 2024, with some reports indicating it approached R$ 1 billion.
- Alleged sale of players below market value in recent transfer windows.
- Irregular exploitation of a suite (camarote) at the MorumBIS stadium during concerts, which allegedly involved two club directors: Mara Casares, the president's ex-wife, and Douglas Schwartzmann.
Further scrutiny arose from ongoing investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MPSP) and the Civil Police in São Paulo. These inquiries are examining alleged irregular financial activities, including 35 cash withdrawals totaling R$ 11 million from club accounts between 2021 and 2025, and R$ 1.5 million in cash deposits into Casares' personal accounts during the same period. Casares' defense maintained his innocence, stating that the accusations lacked proof and that the personal deposits originated from his previous career as a publicist.
Interim Leadership and Next Steps
Following the council's decision, Vice-president Harry Massis Júnior has immediately assumed the role of interim president. However, the impeachment is not yet definitive. The club's statutes require a general assembly of members to be convened within 30 days to confirm Casares' removal. A simple majority vote from paying members will be necessary to finalize his departure from the presidency.
Public Reaction and Casares' Tenure
The impeachment vote was met with strong reactions from São Paulo FC's fanbase. Organized fan groups gathered outside the MorumBIS stadium, protesting against Casares' administration and celebrating the council's decision.
Casares was first elected president in December 2020, taking office in 2021. He was re-elected unopposed in 2023 for the 2024-2026 triennium. During his presidency, the club achieved several sporting successes, including winning the Campeonato Paulista in 2021, the Copa do Brasil in 2023, and the Supercopa do Brasil in 2024.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Where's the definitive proof? Innocent until proven guilty, this feels rushed.
Muchacha
Finally, some accountability! This was long overdue given the financial mess.
Bella Ciao
While the financial allegations are indeed serious and warrant investigation, it's also important to acknowledge the significant sporting successes achieved under his presidency. The club needs to find a way forward that balances both fiscal responsibility and competitive performance.
Bermudez
The fans knew this was coming. Time for real change and transparency at SPFC.
Africa
The reports of increased debt and alleged irregular cash movements are very troubling for any fan. Yet, Casares did bring important silverware to the club, which can't be entirely dismissed when assessing his overall impact.