Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique probed in Brazil betting scandal

Brazilian authorities said Tuesday they were investigating Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique on suspicion of deliberately earning a yellow card in a first-division game in order to favour bets placed by relatives.

According to Brazilian police the 33-year-old is suspected of intentionally seeking the card in a November 2023 home game against Santos, which Rio de Janeiro side Flamengo lost 2-1.

Over 50 police officers backed by members of the public prosecutor’s organised crime task force (GAECO) took part in 12 raids Tuesday in Rio and in several cities in Henrique’s southeastern home state of Minas Gerais. 

“Bruno Henrique is one of the targets of the operation,” GAECO confirmed to AFP. 

Brazilian media reported that police searched Henrique’s home as well as his room at Flamengo’s training ground.

In the game in question, Henrique received a yellow card for a foul at the end of the game.

He was then sent off for arguing with the referee.

Brazilian police data showed that suspicious bets “were allegedly placed by members of the player’s family as well as by another group that is under investigation.”

Several Brazilian media outlets reported that the player’s brother, sister-in-law and a cousin had opened accounts on betting sites on the day of the match and had bet on Henrique being given a yellow card.

Reacting to the raids on the social network X, Flamengo said it had “full confidence” in Henrique but would cooperate with the investigation.

Despite the probe, Henrique, who is hugely popular with club fans and appeared twice with the Brazilian national team in 2019, will start for Flamengo against Cruzeiro on Wednesday.

Brazilian football has been rocked by several sports betting scandals in recent years.

In September 2023, FIFA extended suspensions on 11 Brazilian players involved in a betting scandal to apply worldwide.

A parliamentary commission of enquiry into the issue has been set up.

Commission president, senator Jorge Kajuru said Tuesday that Henrique would be summoned for questioning over the allegations against him.

Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta, who plays with English side West Ham, will be questioned by the commission in December over similar allegations involving four yellow cards received during Premier League matches.