Football enters the election fray: Clubs consider backing Lula da Silva’s rival

Brazilian football clubs are considering openly supporting presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro following a ban on online betting in the country.

TodayPress TV reports, citing BandNews TV, that the move comes in response to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s decision to ban online betting and gambling.

Since October 6, licensed betting companies have suspended their operations in Brazil, leaving football clubs without their main sponsors. In 2025, 14 of the 20 clubs competing in the country’s top division had betting companies as their principal partners.

Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula da Silva’s rival in the election, has said that if elected, he would retain the ban on online casinos while reauthorising sports betting. However, the politician has yet to present a concrete action plan on the matter.

Although no clubs have officially declared support for any candidate so far, discussions on the issue are reportedly underway.

The second round of Brazil’s presidential election will be held on October 25. In the first round, Bolsonaro received 47.03% of the vote, while Lula da Silva secured 45.16%.

Namiq HUN