WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal police in Brazil have cancelled former senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s passport amid allegations he left the country while under investigation for suspected corruption and money‑laundering tied to a major football league’s broadcast‑rights deals.

Authorities say the probe, launched in March, focuses on a $3.4 million transfer of funds allegedly funneled through shell companies linked to the Brazilian Serie A television contract. The contract, worth roughly $1.2 billion annually, is under scrutiny after auditors flagged irregular payments to entities tied to Bolsonaro’s family.

KEY POINTAuthorities say the probe, launched in March, focuses on a $3.

“The integrity of our sport’s commercial framework is non‑negotiable,” said Mariana Silva, a senior official at the Federal Police’s financial crimes unit. “If proven, these transactions could jeopardise future broadcast agreements and undermine investor confidence.”

Sports‑rights analysts warn that the scandal could delay the league’s renegotiation of its European‑wide streaming deal, valued at €850 million through 2028. A delay could reduce projected revenues by up to 12 percent, affecting clubs that rely on televised income for budgeting.

Flávio Bolsonaro, the defeated 2022 right‑wing presidential candidate, has not commented publicly. His legal team, however, released a statement asserting that “the passport cancellation is a procedural measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt.” The family’s lawyer, Carlos Mendes, added that Bolsonaro “remains in Brazil and is cooperating with investigators.”

Key Takeaways

• The passport cancellation follows a federal police investigation into $3.4 million allegedly linked to Serie A broadcast‑rights contracts.
• Potential disruptions to the league’s €850 million streaming agreement could cut annual revenues by an estimated 12 percent.
• Flávio Bolsonaro’s legal representatives deny wrongdoing, emphasizing procedural actions rather than criminal convictions.

While the investigation proceeds, league officials have pledged to cooperate fully and maintain transparency with sponsors and broadcasters. The outcome will likely influence both domestic policy on sports financing and the broader market for football media rights in South America.