São Paulo – A commission has been established to review and propose changes to the São Paulo Futebol Clube’s bylaws, with a notable inclusion: Rogério Caboclo, the former president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), currently serving as a lifetime council member of the club. The move comes as the club considers potential alterations to its governing structure, including those related to the creation of a Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF), or football club company.
The formation of the commission was officially announced on Monday, March 31, 2026, by Olten Ayres de Abreu, the president of São Paulo’s Deliberative Council. According to the official documentation, the commission is tasked with submitting its recommendations for bylaw changes by May 15, 2026. This timeline suggests a deliberate pace for a potentially significant overhaul of the club’s operational framework.
Commission Membership
José Augusto Genofre Martins will chair the commission, with Rogério Caboclo joining Vinicius Pinotti, Eduardo Alfano Vieira, Ruy Mauricio Tranquilli Barbosa, and Orlando Rossini Junior as members. Marcelo Rayes will serve as the commission’s advisor, providing support throughout the review process. The composition of the group indicates a blend of experienced club officials and legal expertise.
Quorum Changes for SAF Model Under Consideration
One of the key areas of focus for the commission is expected to be potential changes to the quorum requirements for establishing a SAF. The SAF model, gaining traction in Brazilian football, allows clubs to operate as limited liability companies, attracting investment and potentially improving financial stability. However, altering the club’s bylaws to accommodate a SAF requires careful consideration and a consensus among key stakeholders.
The discussion around SAFs isn’t new for São Paulo. In December 2025, amidst a scandal involving irregular use of a VIP box at the Morumbi stadium, then-president Julio Casares and Olten Ayres initially proposed statutory changes to the club’s Legislative Commission. This earlier initiative laid the groundwork for the current, more formal review process.
Caboclo’s Controversial Past
The inclusion of Rogério Caboclo on the commission is noteworthy given his recent history. Caboclo served as president of the CBF from April 2019 to June 2021, but was removed from the position following allegations of moral and sexual harassment. These allegations, first surfacing in 2020, included claims of attempted coercion and inappropriate verbal conduct towards a CBF employee. A leaked audio recording reportedly captured Caboclo asking the employee about her personal life in a sexually suggestive manner.
In July 2021, a Rio de Janeiro court annulled the 2018 election that brought Caboclo to power, citing irregularities in the voting criteria. The CBF subsequently suspended him for an additional 20 months in November 2021. Whereas he reached an agreement with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rio de Janeiro in 2023, paying R$100,000 to two NGOs – one focused on combating violence against women and another on animal welfare – to avoid criminal charges, his reputation remains tarnished. He was definitively removed from his position in 2022.
Despite these controversies, Caboclo maintains his position as a lifetime council member of São Paulo FC, a role he held previously as the club’s financial director between 2000 and 2002. His involvement in the commission underscores the complex dynamics at play within the club, balancing the need for experienced leadership with concerns about past conduct.
What’s Next for São Paulo?
The commission’s work is expected to unfold over the coming months, culminating in the submission of its recommendations in May 2026. The proposals will then be subject to review and approval by the club’s governing bodies. The outcome of this process could significantly shape the future of São Paulo FC, potentially paving the way for a new era of investment and professionalization through the SAF model. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching the developments as the club navigates this critical juncture.
The next key date to watch is May 15, 2026, when the commission is scheduled to present its findings. Further updates will be provided by the club through its official channels.
What are your thoughts on the commission’s formation and the inclusion of Rogério Caboclo? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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