Corinthians may be affected by US sanctions on businessman Victor Shimada, investigated for money laundering.

What happened?

The US government announced sanctions against Shimada, who was briefly held under house arrest in Brazil in January 2025. The investigation found that one of his companies was used to launder money stolen from a Brazilian football club, Corinthians. The club signed a sponsorship contract with Vai de Bet, worth R$ 360 million, in 2024.

Why is this important for Corinthians?

Initially, there are no effects of the sanction on the team, which is currently 13th in Serie A with 47 points, and recently beat Sao Paulo 3-2 on May 10, 2026. However, if it is proven that the entity acted deliberately to send resources to the PCC, the Comando Vermelho or another entity considered a terrorist organization by the US, the club may be affected. Corinthians is 32 points behind leader Flamengo and has an upcoming game against Internacional on August 2, 2026.

What comes next?

Brazilian companies need to take precautions to avoid being targeted by sanctions, according to Berlinque Cantelmo, a specialist in organized crime law. Corinthians needs to prove that there was no material support for a terrorist group, which can be complicated if there is an indication that the companies and individuals related to the companies were aware that they were transacting with a criminal organization.