CADE investigates agreement in publicity rights market in football championships

On 21 August, the Office of the Superintendent General of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (SG/CADE) launched an administrative proceeding to investigate alleged antitrust violations in the publicity rights market in Brazilian football championships. CADE is investigating the agreement signed among two companies and three individuals, which allegedly established bid suppressions in private tenders to produce and trade 3D carpets (a type of publicity tool).

After the administrative proceeding is launched, the defendants are to be notified to file answers. The Office of the Superintendent General of CADE will either find the defendants guilty or dismiss the case at the discovery phase. The Tribunal of CADE is to receive the conclusions to make a final decision.

In case the companies are found guilty, they are subject to fines ranging from 0.1% to 20% of their turnovers, in addition to other penalties. The individuals involved are also subject to fines ranging from BRL 50 thousand to BRL 2 billion. Individuals in managerial roles are imposed fines ranging from 1% to 20% of the amount levied on the companies.

The leniency agreement signed between Market SP´94 and CADE provided the evidence on the case. If the Tribunal of CADE concludes that the obligations have been complied with, the signatories are to receive full immunity from fines at the end of the administrative proceeding.

This is the 113th agreement that CADE signs in the Brazilian Competition Defense System.

Access Case nº 08700.004709/2024-84