Neymar (foto: Getty Images)
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira faces impeachment calls after a controversial £18m deal with Neymar’s family put the club’s academy at risk.
Santos are facing a major internal crisis after explosive allegations targeting president Marcelo Teixeira triggered calls for his resignation.
The controversy centers on an £18 million debt owed to NR Sports, the image rights company run by Neymar’s father, with critics claiming the structure of the deal serves as a personal political shield.
Legal challenge shakes the club
Prosecutor and club member Ivan Luduvice has filed a formal request to impeach Teixeira, citing a contract amendment signed on December 30.
According to Luduvice, the agreement is illegal because it creates a financial barrier that heavily burdens the club in case of leadership change, violating internal statutes.
The key issue lies in an early maturity clause.
If Teixeira fails to secure re-election or if the club shifts to a corporate structure, creditors linked to Neymar’s family could demand immediate payment.
"Not even in the Constitution of South Sudan does a president condition the renewal of a contract on their own re-election. Can you imagine if the mayor of your city did that? It would be prison immediately. By linking a financial obligation of tens of millions of reais to an internal election result, the President acted with a clear abuse of power, using the club's contracting authority to create a personal political shield," said Luduvice.
Academy at risk
Further concern comes from the decision to use the historic Meninos da Vila training ground as collateral for the debt.
The repayment structure includes rapid monthly installments starting in January 2026, raising fears over the club’s financial stability.
Luduvice argues the guarantee is invalid because the club’s deliberative council was never consulted.
Financial pressure grows
The situation is made worse by the club’s total debt, which has reached approximately £146 million.
Despite this, the board recently approved the 2025 financial accounts with 109 votes in favor.
Luduvice has demanded the annulment of this decision, warning of serious risks to the club’s assets.
Battle for control begins
The internal committee must now decide whether to launch a formal investigation into the alleged violations.
With financial pressure increasing and the threat of an acceleration clause looming, the dispute is expected to dominate the upcoming elections.
According to ESPN, Luduvice is preparing to run in the presidential race.