Brazil advances in adhesion to the Macolin Convention

THE Ministry of Sports (Mesp) announced that the Brazil made progress in joining the Macolin Conventionan international treaty of the Council of Europe that combats the manipulation of sporting competitions. The technical opinion in favor of the country’s entry was issued this week, during a virtual meeting held on December 4th and 5th, from Strasbourg, France, with the participation of Mesp.

Represented by the general coordinator of Sports Economic Development, Danilo Mendonça, the ministry highlighted that the advance reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening sports integrity policies.

The director of Integrity in Sports Betting, Denise Nóbrega, stated that the progress of the process reflects the department’s coordinated and strategic action on the global agenda on the topic. “Brazil has consistently prepared itself to strengthen its sporting integrity policies,” he said. For the director, advancing at this stage shows that the country is aligned with the best international practices and committed to acting firmly against the manipulation of results.

“It is a historic opportunity to raise the standard of protection of Brazilian sport”, he added.

The favorable opinion recognized the advancement of the regulatory framework for sports betting in the country and praised the proposal to create the National Platform to Combat Manipulation of Results, one of the ministry’s priorities.

Despite the progress, accession still depends on a political opinion, which will be analyzed at the meeting of Ministers of the Council of Europe, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. If approved, Brazil will be officially invited to join the treaty, and the process will continue for ratification in the National Congress.

The Macolin Convention establishes cooperation between governments, sporting entities, betting operators and regulatory bodies to prevent and punish fraud in competitions. Brazilian accession represents an important step in consolidating a national framework for sporting integrity and combating illegal practices in sport.