Brazil's Lula signs law promoting women's football, downplays betting ban impact

President Lula signed Law 15.522/26 establishing national guidelines for women's football, prioritizing it in federal sports policy and mandating equal pay, maternity protection, and anti-discrimination measures. Lula also asserted that the end of online betting, a major club sponsor, will not harm football, a claim that remains unverified and likely contested by clubs. The law marks a policy shift in Brazil's sports governance, with potential economic implications for clubs reliant on betting revenue.