Comercial Futebol Clube has advanced its discussions regarding the formation of a Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF), with long-term project investments potentially reaching up to R$ 300 million. The milestone follows the approval of a binding memorandum by the club’s deliberative council in Ribeirão Preto, setting the stage for financial and contractual due diligence.
Council Approval Clears Path for Due Diligence
Meeting at the Dr. Francisco Palma Travassos stadium in Ribeirão Preto, the Comercial deliberative council voted on Wednesday, Sept. 30, to approve the Binding Memorandum presented by Alliance Football. Out of 37 council members in attendance, 31 voted in favor, five opposed, and one abstained. Investor representatives Caian Oliveira and Eliel Fraga attended the session to witness the vote.
The approval does not finalize the creation of the SAF. Instead, it authorizes both parties to proceed with due diligence—a detailed examination of the club’s documents, contracts, existing debts, and financial health, alongside an evaluation of the financial guarantees offered by the investors. The proposed model outlines a 90% ownership stake for the investors and 10% retained by Comercial.
Leadership Perspective and Financial Rebuilding
Comercial president Wesley Rios defended the agreement in interviews with Rádio Jovem Pan News Ribeirão Preto and Canal WSports, stating that rejecting the memorandum would have left the club with no other way out. In a subsequent official statement released on Thursday, Oct. 10, the club clarified that no definitive contract has been signed yet, though talks continue under Rios’s direct supervision.
Rios highlighted that the investor group has already begun assisting the club ahead of any formal SAF finalization. According to the club’s administration, this early cooperation has helped keep athlete salaries up to date while addressing ongoing financial liabilities. The partnership follows the recent end of a three-year agreement with Rico Gestão Empresarial, which previously managed the professional squad’s payroll before terminating its arrangement unilaterally.
Targeted Infrastructure and Structural Improvements
The proposed long-term investment framework aims to overhaul multiple departments across the institution, moving beyond the professional football squad. Project discussions outline specific upgrades for youth academy housing, nutritional facilities, stadium illumination, and the playing surface at the Palma Travassos venue.
“We do not want to simply announce a number. We want to build a project that can change Comercial’s standing,” Rios said, emphasizing that any future agreement will prioritize infrastructure, youth development, and long-term financial sustainability.
Next Match on the Horizon
Amid ongoing corporate restructuring—including the recent departure of CEO Marcelo Zaparoli—the team shifts its focus back to the pitch. Comercial returns to action on Sunday at 4:00 PM local time at the Palma Travassos stadium to face São José in the opening leg of the Copa Paulista quarterfinals.
Worth a look
