Rio Heroes Back in Media Spotlight
Gleidson Venga Feb 15, 2008
Rio Heroes has once again attracted the attention of Brazilian
media.
A recent report published in the Folha de S. Paulo, the country's main newspaper, stated that the fighting event has generated betting, which is prohibited in Brazil.
Rio Heroes promoter Jorge
Pereira emphasized that betting on the event only happens
abroad and that Brazilian fans would be blocked from trying to bet.
According to national legislation, such a situation would not be
illegal. Pereira also said he only takes care of the organization's
money as allocated by foreign investors and is not involved with
betting.
"There is an exploitation of an illegal game," said delegate Archimedes Cassão Veras Junior in a report published by the newspaper O Globo. "If they are earning on top of the betting, we will respond. We need to see if they receive money in the game."
Brazilian TV has also showed several reports of the event that highlighted violent fighting with its no-rules competition. Entrepreneur and promoter Sergio Batarelli condemned the Rio Heroes' lack of rules.
"When someone dies, they will blame the sport," Batarelli said. "The fault is on the one who promotes and who allows [the fights to happen]."
The "shed" that served as the stage for Rio Heroes fights has also been blocked. Last week the Prefecture of Osasco used concrete blocks to close it. For the lack of an operating license, those responsible will have to pay a fine of what equates to about $750 U.S. dollars.
A recent report published in the Folha de S. Paulo, the country's main newspaper, stated that the fighting event has generated betting, which is prohibited in Brazil.
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"There is an exploitation of an illegal game," said delegate Archimedes Cassão Veras Junior in a report published by the newspaper O Globo. "If they are earning on top of the betting, we will respond. We need to see if they receive money in the game."
Brazilian TV has also showed several reports of the event that highlighted violent fighting with its no-rules competition. Entrepreneur and promoter Sergio Batarelli condemned the Rio Heroes' lack of rules.
"When someone dies, they will blame the sport," Batarelli said. "The fault is on the one who promotes and who allows [the fights to happen]."
The "shed" that served as the stage for Rio Heroes fights has also been blocked. Last week the Prefecture of Osasco used concrete blocks to close it. For the lack of an operating license, those responsible will have to pay a fine of what equates to about $750 U.S. dollars.
