São Paulo – Former Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves will stand trial on charges related to the misuse of corporate credit cards during his tenure, a Brazilian court has ruled. The decision, handed down on March 9, 2026, marks a significant development in a widening investigation into financial practices at the prominent football club. This follows a prior investigation into over R$1.2 million in unverified spending during his presidency as flagged by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of São Paulo (MP-SP).
The charges stem from allegations that Alves improperly utilized the club’s corporate cards for personal expenses. The Public Prosecutor’s Office initially filed charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and falsifying a tax document against Alves, along with former finance director Wesley Melo and former manager Roberto Gavioli. While the case against Andrés Sanchez, a previous president, was partially accepted and appealed by MP-SP, this ruling specifically focuses on the allegations against Duilio Monteiro Alves regarding the corporate card usage.
The court’s acceptance of the denunciation against Alves represents a major escalation in the legal proceedings. According to reports, the investigation centers on expenses incurred between 2021 and 2023. The MP-SP has too been investigating payments made to Denilson Grillo, known as Carioca, who served as Alves’ driver, alleging that reimbursements were made for alleged personal expenses. Corinthians has been ordered to provide a detailed accounting of Grillo’s roles, employment periods, and pay against duties.
In a related probe, authorities are examining potential irregularities involving inflated or bogus invoices issued by João Clóvis da Paixão and Valeri Maria Pauletti, owners of businesses identified in the case file. Both individuals are scheduled to testify on March 4, 2026. The MP-SP has also requested inspections of two properties in São Paulo to verify the operation of companies cited in the investigation and to analyze staffing records.
The investigation initially expanded from a criminal probe into Corinthians’ recent finances, formalizing an inquiry into more than R$ 1.2 million in advances allegedly paid without receipts. Prosecutors Cássio Conserino signed the order requiring reimbursement and advance requests to have been approved by then finance leaders Wesley Melo and Roberto Gavioli, both of whom have been summoned to provide evidence on March 18, 2026.
This legal development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of financial practices within Corinthians. The club has not yet issued a public statement regarding the court’s decision to proceed with the trial against Duilio Monteiro Alves. The case is expected to draw significant attention from football fans and observers of Brazilian sports governance.
The next step in the legal process will involve the scheduling of a trial date and the presentation of evidence. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Alves and potentially for other individuals implicated in the investigation. The MP-SP will likely continue its efforts to gather evidence and build its case against all those accused of financial wrongdoing.
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