Brazil signs the Macolin Convention and becomes first American signatory
Signed in Strasbourg on 30 October 2026; congressional ratification still required
Key Takeaways
- Brazil signed the Macolin Convention on 30 October 2026 and is the first signatory from the Americas.
- The signature makes Brazil the 44th signatory; 17 countries have completed ratification.
- The Government must submit the treaty to the National Congress and complete ratification before Brazil becomes a full party.
- Brazil presented the PNPEMR in March 2026, coordinated by the Ministry of Sport with Finance, Justice and the Federal Police.
Brazil signed the Macolin Convention against the manipulation of sports competitions on 30 October 2026, becoming the first country in the Americas to subscribe to the international agreement. The Brazilian ambassador to France, Ricardo Neiva Tavares, signed at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg in the presence of Secretary General Alain Berset; the signature does not substitute for approval by the National Congress or subsequent ratification.
Signature and pending steps
Brazil's signature makes the country the 44 signatory to the Macolin Convention; to date, 17 countries have completed ratification. Accession now requires the government to submit the treaty to the National Congress for approval and to proceed with ratification before Brazil becomes a full party to the convention.
Domestic framework and stakeholders involved
The federal Government had already implemented internal measures to protect sport integrity. In March 2026 the National Policy for the Prevention and Fight against the Manipulation of Sports Results (PNPEMR) was presented, coordinated by the Ministry of Sport together with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice, and supported by the Federal Police.
Brazil's approach to the Convention began in 2025: the National Secretariat for Sports Betting conducted a technical assessment and the government formally announced its intention to accede in September 2025. The National Secretary for Sports Betting, Giovanni Rocco, commented on the signature with these words:
“Brazil is taking an important step in protecting the integrity of sports. We have already made progress with the creation of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combat of Match-Fixing in Sports. Now, with the signing of the Macolin Convention, we are expanding the possibilities for international cooperation. This work strengthens the fight against fraud and helps protect athletes, clubs and fans.” — Giovanni Rocco
What the Macolin Convention provides
The Convention establishes a framework for international exchange of information on suspicious sports-betting patterns, coordination of investigations and improved cooperation between [betting operators](/casino) and [sports authorities](/sports). Its requirements include creating national platforms that bring together regulators, law enforcement, betting operators and sports organisations to detect potential manipulation and share cross-border information.
The Convention was opened for signature by the Council of Europe in 2014 in Macolin, Switzerland, and entered into force in September 2019. Non‑European signatories include Australia and Morocco. The Brazilian online sports-betting market has operated under a federal licence since January 2025, making access to international information‑sharing mechanisms relevant for investigating suspicious activity that may cross borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Brazil sign the Macolin Convention?
Brazil signed the Macolin Convention on 30 October 2026 at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg; the signature was made by Ambassador Ricardo Neiva Tavares in the presence of Secretary General Alain Berset.
Does the signature make Brazil a full member of the Convention?
No. The signature does not make Brazil a full party; the government must submit the treaty to the National Congress for approval and complete the ratification process before Brazil becomes a full member.
What domestic measures did Brazil have in place before signing?
Brazil presented the National Policy for the Prevention and Fight against the Manipulation of Sports Results (PNPEMR) in March 2026, coordinated by the Ministry of Sport with the Ministries of Finance and Justice and supported by the Federal Police.
How many countries have signed and ratified the Macolin Convention?
As of the signature by Brazil, 44 countries have signed the Macolin Convention and 17 countries have completed ratification.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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