Journalist cites Libertadores 81 as "fuel" for Atlético-MG against Flamengo

The 17th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers holds strong emotions, especially for Flamengo fans. This Thursday (4), Brazil and Chile face each other at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). One of the names that could stand out is striker Samuel Lino, called up to represent the Brazilian National Team.

The match will be broadcast on Globo , on free-to-air TV, with narration by Luis Roberto and commentary by Caio Ribeiro and Roger Flores . On SporTV, on a closed channel, the narration will be by Luiz Carlos Júnior, with commentary by Lédio Carmona and Paulo Nunes.

FOLLOW LIVE ON YOUTUBE

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Brazil: Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Douglas Santos; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães; Estevão, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and João Pedro.

Chile: Vigouroux; Hormazabal, Paulo Díaz, Maripán and Suazo; Echeverría, Ignacio Saavedra and Cabral; Osorio, Aravena and Brereton.

Striker Bruno Henrique was punished by the Superior Court of Sports Justice this Thursday (29), with a 12-game suspension and a fine of R$60,000. The decision, valid for national competitions, does not prevent the athlete from playing in the Libertadores at this time , but there is an expectation that the case will be forwarded to FIFA, which could increase the effects of the sanction.

The sentence handed down by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) affects competitions such as the Brazilian Championship and the Brazilian Cup, limiting the striker's participation in the national competition. However, for now, he remains available to play in the Copa Libertadores . If the court requests an extension from FIFA and the governing body of football complies, Bruno Henrique will also be sidelined for the international competition.

Flamengo 's board confirmed that it will appeal the decision, seeking a reduction in the penalty imposed on the number 27. There is the possibility of requesting a suspensive effect, which could allow the player to attend matches until the appeal is analyzed by the STJD Plenary, the highest court in the sporting sphere.

TRIAL HELD REMOTELY

Bruno Henrique, a defendant in both sports and civil courts, was not present in person at the trial, held in Rio de Janeiro. The striker testified remotely, as his presence at the court was not mandatory. He was also on a four-day leave granted by the club during the FIFA International Day.

UNDERSTAND THE ACCUSATION OF MANIPULATION

The case investigates the suspicion that Bruno Henrique had informed in advance about the yellow card he received against Santos, in a match held at the Mané Garrincha Stadium, in Brasília, on November 1, 2023. According to the investigations, the information would have benefited his brother, Wander, who passed on the data to third parties linked to sports betting.

Defendant in the sports sphere and also in the Common Justice , Bruno Henrique was sentenced this Thursday (29) by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) to 12 matches of suspension and the payment of a fine of R$ 60 thousand . The trial was held in Rio de Janeiro and the striker, who had four days off granted by Flamengo during the Fifa Date, participated remotely.

The case involves the accusation that the number 27 had previously informed people close to him about the yellow card he received in the duel against Santos, at the Mané Garrincha stadium, in Brasília, on November 1, 2023.

According to the complaint, the transfer allegedly benefited his brother, Wander, who used the data in sports betting schemes. Auditors found there was sufficient evidence to convict the athlete, resulting in the application of the sports penalty.

OTHERS INVOLVED

In addition to Bruno Henrique and his brother Wander, the lawsuit also named other names, including Claudinei Vitor Mosquete Bassan, Andryl Reis, and Douglas Barcelos . Although mentioned in the court records, Ludymilla Araújo Lima, Wander's wife, and Poliana Ester Nunes Cardoso, the striker's cousin, were not formally included among those charged by the sports court.

NEXT STEPS FOR THE ATTACKER

The decision does not conclude the case, as an appeal can still be filed with the full Superior Court of Justice (STJD) , the highest court in the sports sector. The defense may request a stay of execution, allowing Bruno Henrique to act while awaiting the final judgment. The Prosecutor's Office also has the right to appeal if it deems the sentence insufficient.