Flamengo Replaces Sponsor with Protest Message Against Brazil Betting Ban
- Flamengo's On-Pitch Protest: Flamengo replaced their primary sponsor's logo with the slogan 'Proibir não é proteger' (Banning is not protecting) on their jerseys during a Brasileirão match against Santos to protest Brazil's federal ban on sports betting.
- Federal Sports Betting Ban: The protest targets Medida Provisória 1.394/2026, signed by President Lula, which prohibited the operation, intermediation, and advertising of fixed-odds betting platforms, forcing clubs to remove gambling sponsors.
- Financial Impact and Legal Challenge: The ban poses a significant financial threat, potentially costing Flamengo hundreds of millions in revenue, leading the club to formally criticize the measure and take legal action in the Supreme Federal Court.
Flamengo took to the pitch with an unusual message across their shirts during their Brasileirão clash against Santos, replacing their primary sponsor with a direct protest against Brazil's federal ban on sports betting.
Flamengo Wears Banning Is Not Protecting Message on Kit
Instead of their regular Betano logo across the chest, the Rio de Janeiro giants wore the slogan "Proibir não é proteger" (Banning is not protecting).
The visual statement comes in response to Medida Provisória 1.394/2026, signed by President Lula, which prohibited the operation, intermediation, and advertising of fixed-odds betting platforms across the country. The abrupt ban forced clubs to remove gambling sponsors from their kits and stadium assets almost overnight. With their Betano master sponsorship deal valued at around R$268.5 million per season (around €45 million per year), Flamengo stands to lose hundreds of millions in projected revenue and has formally criticized the measure, arguing that outlawing licensed operators harms sports funding without eradicating underground markets.
The slogan originates from a joint manifesto organized by Brazilian gaming associations and has also been displayed across stadium LED boards throughout the league. Flamengo has taken legal steps to challenge the ban in the Supreme Federal Court, and further kit demonstrations are expected in upcoming rounds as other top Brazilian clubs join the protest.
Meanwhile, Santos wore the 'Leão do Mar Institute' charity logo on their kit instead of their usual betting sponsor. The Leão do Mar Institute is a social and environmental organization founded by Santos Futebol Clube in September 2026, with the goal of expanding the club’s activities beyond the soccer field.