Ponte Preta players' strike halts training sessions and matches

The Ponte Preta squad announced a strike this Wednesday (08/26/2026) and left the training center without practicing. The decision follows a statement in which athletes describe abandonment by the board and point out salary delays of about six months.

Reason for the stoppage

The players claim they have not received salaries or image rights for up to six months. According to the released note, the situation worsened after the board failed to meet the ultimatum set for August 25, the deadline for regularizing pending payments.

Legal basis for the strike

Paragraph 5 of Article 90 of the General Sports Law authorizes professional athletes to suspend their activities when there is a salary delay of two months or more. The athletes cited this provision as the basis for the stoppage.

Impact on the Série B calendar

Ponte Preta's next match, scheduled for Sunday against América-MG, could be declared a forfeit (walkover) if the squad does not travel. The board has not yet officially commented on the strike.

Financial context and SAF

The club is trying to advance the proposal to transform Ponte Preta into a Football Corporation (SAF). A R$ 1 billion offer includes R$ 300 million to pay off debts, R$ 300 million for football investment over ten years, and R$ 400 million to modernize the stadium and training center. The project was scheduled to be discussed in an assembly, but the meeting was interrupted by court injunctions.

Internal repercussions

In addition to the strike, Ponte Preta faces two player registration bans imposed by FIFA resulting from unpaid debts. The club had already been barred from signing reinforcements at the beginning of the year and started its Campeonato Paulista campaign with remaining players and youth academy prospects.

Sports situation

Without a win in 18 rounds, the team occupies last place in Série B, with only 10 points in 24 games, and is heading toward relegation. The current squad is mostly made up of youth academy players, following the departure of players like William Pottker and David Braz in recent months.

With information from GE, UOL.