TLDR
- São Paulo football clubs and the FPF oppose two city bills that would limit betting advertising
- The letter went to Mayor Ricardo Nunes on July 24, signed by São Paulo FC, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Portuguesa, Juventus and Nacional
- The FPF estimates losses of more than BRL 1 billion if the bills pass
- Clubs warn the rules could affect kits worn in national and continental competitions
- The federation is asking for talks and a grace period for existing sponsorship deals
Football clubs in São Paulo are speaking out against two city bills that would limit betting advertising. The bills, numbered 553/2025 and 560/2025, target both physical and digital ad spaces across the city.
On July 24, a group of clubs sent a letter to São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes. The letter was signed by São Paulo FC, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Portuguesa, Juventus and Nacional, along with the São Paulo Football Federation.
The clubs argue the rules would create an uneven playing field. Teams based outside São Paulo would not face the same ad restrictions, giving them a financial edge.
Estimated Financial Losses
The FPF says the proposed changes could cost the national sports industry more than BRL 1 billion. This figure includes contract terminations and the cost of renegotiating existing deals.
Betting sponsorships currently help fund club operations. The clubs say this money supports player salaries, infrastructure, and women’s football programs.
If sponsors pull out early, clubs say the financial hit would reach beyond advertising budgets alone. They describe it as a broader economic problem for the sport.
The letter also points out that clubs outside the city would keep operating under different commercial rules. This, they say, could put São Paulo clubs at a lasting disadvantage.
Impact on Major Sporting Events
The clubs warn the ban could also affect kit designs for national and international matches. Teams competing in the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, or continental tournaments may need to alter jerseys that carry betting sponsor logos.
The FPF says this creates a conflict between city law and federal rules, since the sponsorships remain legal elsewhere in Brazil.
There are also concerns about São Paulo’s ability to host large events going forward. The federation names CONMEBOL and FIFA competitions as examples, along with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, NFL games, and Formula 1 races.
City officials have not yet issued a public response to the letter.
The FPF is calling for direct talks with city leaders before any final vote takes place. It wants a technical discussion involving the football sector.
One proposal from the federation would carve out an exception for stadiums and training centers. These spaces already follow federal betting advertising rules, according to the FPF.
The federation is also asking for a transition period. This would let existing sponsorship contracts run their course under the old rules.
Clubs say this kind of grace period would protect investments already made in the sport. They argue it would also give the industry more stability while any new law takes effect.
For now, the bills remain under review by the São Paulo municipal council. No date has been set for a final vote, and the football clubs continue to wait for a response from the mayor’s office.
