Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior could be banned from football for up to two years after being accused of owning football clubs while still playing professionally — a move that goes against FIFA’s rules.
The Brazilian winger, who has been in top form for Madrid this season, is under investigation by FIFA after a complaint was made by a Brazilian investment firm, Tiberis Holding.
The complaint says that Vinicius, along with his father and a businessman named Thassilo Soares, co-owns a company called ALL Agenciamento Desportivo. This company reportedly buys and manages football clubs. In February, it was claimed the company bought Portuguese club Alverca for about €10 million. Tiberis also says it was pressured into selling part of another club, Athletic Club de São João del-Rei, to Vinicius’s company.
According to FIFA rules and Spanish sports regulations, active players are not allowed to directly or indirectly own football clubs, especially when there is a possible conflict of interest.
FIFA’s Ethics Committee is now looking into whether Vinicius broke any rules. If he is found guilty, he could be fined or suspended from all football activities for up to two years.
Vinicius has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
