Real Madrid's star player, Vinicius Junior, is under investigation for a significant breach of FIFA's Code of Ethics.
He could potentially face a career-altering, two-year ban due to allegations of holding shares in multiple football clubs.
The case originates from a complaint filed on the 7th of April by Tiberis Holding do Brasil, a Brazilian company. They allege that Vinicius, through a company connected to his father and agent, Thassilo Soares, has direct or indirect interests in professional football clubs, which is against FIFA's Code of Ethics.
Tiberis claims that the Real Madrid winger had links to Athletic Club de Sao Joao del Rei (Brazil) and Alercom (a Portuguese second-division club).
The company stated they were denied a preemptive right to purchase Athletic's shares, which were subsequently sold to an entity associated with Vinicius.
FIFA regulations are very clear and strict in these situations. According to Article 20 of the FIFA Code of Ethics and Article 22 of the Spanish Sports Code: "A player may not directly or indirectly own shares in professional football clubs at national or international level if there is any risk of a conflict of interest".
If the Ethics Committee finds that this rule has been broken, Vinicius Jr could be suspended for up to two years – a major setback for both Real Madrid and the Brazil national team, particularly with major tournaments approaching.
The investigation has also highlighted the increasing football investment activities of the company run by Vinicius' father and agent. The controversial share transfer has prompted a formal complaint, with Tiberis seeking disciplinary action against one of the most influential and commercially valuable figures in football today.