As the presence of sports betting companies grows within Brazilian football, so too does the responsibility of clubs to safeguard the integrity of competitions. São Paulo Futebol Clube (SPFC) is taking that responsibility seriously, with internal structures in place to promote ethics, prevent manipulation, and educate its players and staff.
Speaking to Insider Sport’s sister publication SBC Notícias Brasil, SPFC’s Compliance Coordinator, Jaqueline Oliveira, detailed how the club is responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving relationship between football and the betting sector.
This article has been translated from Portuguese to English.
What is the role of SPFC’s compliance department in relation to the online betting market? Are there specific policies in place for players, directors, or staff?
Our primary focus is on preventing match-fixing and other forms of manipulation linked to sports betting.
In addition to the club’s Code of Ethics and Conduct — which reinforces our commitment to fair play both on and off the pitch — we’ve implemented an Internal Policy for the Control and Prevention of Sports Betting. This sets out clear rules and restrictions for participation in betting activities by employees, athletes, and anyone connected to the club, with the goal of ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity in all competitions involving SPFC.
In your view, how does compliance contribute to preventing fraud in sports betting?
It plays a critical role through the implementation of internal policies, educational initiatives, and open communication channels. Most importantly, it depends on the direct engagement of athletes and staff in fostering a culture of integrity. Prevention begins with information — and with a consistent, top-down reinforcement of ethical standards throughout the club.
Does SPFC use any systems to monitor possible involvement of players in match-fixing?
We don’t use a specific monitoring system, but we operate an Ethics, Rights and Integrity Reporting Channel (REDI). This is a vital tool for identifying conduct that violates either our Code of Ethics or our Internal Policy on Sports Betting. It allows for anonymous reporting and protects whistleblowers, which helps encourage responsible disclosure of any suspected wrongdoing.
Has SPFC partnered with any government bodies or betting industry entities to help protect match integrity?
Our main sponsor is Superbet, and like any sports organisation, SPFC adheres to the rules and regulations set out by official governing bodies — which includes a commitment to upholding the integrity of the game.
While we don’t currently have formal partnerships specifically focused on integrity, we are fully aware of its importance and open to future collaborations — whether public or private — that help strengthen governance and transparency in football.
Does the club offer education or awareness initiatives to players and staff about the risks related to betting?
Yes, education is a central pillar of our Tricolor Integrity Program. This includes regular training sessions, internal awareness campaigns, and the creation of educational materials — such as booklets — that guide staff and players on the legal, ethical, and reputational risks of betting-related activities.
Betting companies are now major sponsors of clubs in Brazil’s Série A. Do you believe this relationship is beneficial for football in both the short and long term?
These partnerships can be positive, provided there is a shared commitment to integrity, responsibility, and regulatory compliance. The betting market is well-established and continues to grow, but that growth must be matched by ethical conduct from both clubs and operators.
Beyond the financial benefits, we also have to consider the social impact — particularly around gambling addiction and the mental health of players. This is why effective regulation is so crucial: to balance interests and promote sustainable practices over the long term.
What are the biggest challenges in ensuring regulatory compliance, especially as the betting industry continues to expand?
The key challenge lies in balancing the economic interests of the sector with the need to protect all stakeholders — especially bettors and athletes. We must establish and enforce regulation that increases transparency, reduces the risk of manipulation, and encourages responsible behaviour from bookmakers.
At the club level, the priority is to uphold strong internal policies and foster a culture of integrity that prevents conflicts of interest and maintains public trust.
Jaqueline Oliveira is a seasoned compliance and ethics professional with extensive experience in both public and private sectors. She previously served as Director of Ethics Promotion at the Comptroller’s Office of São Paulo, leading initiatives on professional ethics, transparency, and integrity. Internationally, she coordinated anti-corruption efforts at the UN Global Compact Brazil, contributing to SDG-aligned initiatives such as the 100% Transparency Movement.
Currently, she is Compliance Coordinator at São Paulo Futebol Clube, where she oversees the Tricolor Integrity Program, promoting ethics and integrity in sport. Jaqueline is also deeply involved in voluntary work, serving as a mentor and advisor in several initiatives focused on gender, race, and diversity in sport, including SIGA Women, Mulheres do Brasil, and the Movement for Integrity in Football.
