Brazilian Football Confederation seeks investigation into Corinthians fan group leader over referee threats

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) filed a criminal complaint with São Paulo state prosecutors against Alexandre Domênico Pereira, president of the Gaviões da Fiel organized supporters group of Corinthians. The complaint was submitted on Thursday night following social media statements directed at Brazilian referees.

Pereira, also known as Alê, criticized refereeing in the Brazilian Championship and said he had received information about where match officials stay before games. He also wrote that it was becoming difficult to contain fan dissatisfaction.

“This is not a threat, we are only warning that it is becoming unsustainable to hold back the crowd.”

In a deleted Instagram post, Pereira said refereeing decisions had robbed the team inside the arena and warned that holding back the crowd was becoming unsustainable. He stated the message was not a threat but a warning.

The CBF requested the opening of a criminal investigative procedure or police inquiry to determine responsibilities. It also asked for urgent security measures for referees at stadiums, hotels, and along travel routes for upcoming Corinthians matches.

The confederation additionally requested preservation of data related to the post, hearings with Gaviões da Fiel officials, and an investigation into the source of information about referee accommodation. It also sought analysis of possible precautionary measures against Pereira.

Corinthians are currently in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship and have not won in ten matches. Pereira claimed the team has been harmed by refereeing decisions during this poor run.