Minas Gerais state government guarantees Cruzeiro’s continued presence at Mineirão after decree banning betting advertisements on state public property.
The governor of Minas Gerais, Mateus Simões (PSD), guaranteed that Cruzeiro will continue to host its matches at Mineirão, despite State Decree No. 49.279/2026, published on August 20, banning the display of betting advertisements on state public property.
Representatives of the club and the state government met this Monday, the 24th, to discuss the developments of the measure.
The decree
State Decree No. 49.279/2026 bans the display of advertisements from betting companies on state public property, including Mineirão.
The measure immediately put Cruzeiro’s presence at the stadium at risk: unable to display CBF sponsors, the club would breach commercial agreements of the tournaments in which it competes.
To remain at Mineirão, Cruzeiro would need to reach an agreement with the CBF or with the state government.
CBF notification
The crisis escalated on Friday, the 21st, when the CBF sent an official letter to Cruzeiro warning about the need to stop the display of betting advertisements at the stadium.
The entity reinforced that it is the sole holder of the commercial rights to its competitions, based on FIFA and Conmebol regulations and the Federal Constitution.
It also demanded full compliance from clubs with the tournament rules, including the protection of its partners’ commercial properties.
Government guarantee
Cruzeiro confirmed, in a statement released on Saturday, the 22nd, that Governor Mateus Simões contacted the club’s president, Pedro Lourenço, to discuss the developments of the decree and the CBF’s official letter.
Simões guaranteed that the club and its fans will not be harmed by the new rules and assured the continuity of home matches at Mineirão.
Cruzeiro’s board met with the Chief of Staff Secretary, Marcel Dornas Beghini, this Monday, the 24th, to discuss the measure. The outcome of the meeting had not been announced by the time this article was published.
Advertising over the weekend
Even with the decree in effect, betting advertisements were displayed during the match between Cruzeiro and Flamengo on Saturday, the 22nd, on electronic boards and signage near the goals and benches—spaces under the club’s commercial responsibility, not the stadium’s, which prevented their immediate removal.
In areas under Minas Arena’s direct management, however, betting advertisements were removed: ads at the stand entrances were taken down, the big screen did not display advertising, and there were no betting promotional activities with fans on the stadium’s esplanade, as was customary.
Cruzeiro’s statement
“Cruzeiro Esporte Clube – SAF confirms that the governor of Minas Gerais, Matheus Simões, reached out, on Saturday morning, to the Club’s president, Pedro Lourenço, regarding the developments related to State Decree No. 49.279/2026, published in the State Official Gazette, and the subsequent official letter sent by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to Cruzeiro concerning the Club’s matches at Mineirão.
“During the conversation, Governor Matheus Simões assured president Pedro Lourenço that Cruzeiro and its fans will not be harmed due to the measures set out in the decree. The Head of State guaranteed that the Club will continue to host its matches at Mineirão as usual.
“It was also established that, next week, a meeting will be held between representatives of Cruzeiro’s board and the Chief of Staff Secretary of the Minas Gerais state government.
“The meeting will aim to deepen the dialogue in order to clarify the grounds and impacts of the measure adopted by the Government, as well as to take the necessary steps to ensure the continuity of Cruzeiro’s matches at the stadium.
“Cruzeiro reiterates its willingness for institutional dialogue and will continue to monitor the matter responsibly, always prioritizing the interests of the Club and, above all, of its fans.”