The Brazilian football club Vasco-AC has faced significant backlash after the hiring of goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes, who has a controversial past, coinciding with the arrest of four players on allegations of collective sexual assault. This had immediate repercussions as two sponsors publicly announced their decision to discontinue their partnerships with the club. Arasuper supermarket chain was the first to disclose the termination of its contract, citing these serious recent events as pivotal in their evaluation.

In their official statement, Arasuper emphasized the alignment of their partnership with institutional values and objectives, which were compromised due to the unfolding situation around the club. Subsequently, the Picanha Mix restaurant also stated that it followed suit in severing ties with Vasco-AC, reflecting a growing concern among businesses regarding their reputational risks when associating with teams embroiled in scandals.

This incident not only raises questions about the governance and ethical considerations within the club's management but also highlights the influence of social accountability on sponsorships in sports. The reactions from these brands may set a precedent for how sports organizations manage alliances and the reputational risk they incur with their personnel choices. As the legal and social implications unfold, Vasco-AC's standing in the community and its financial stability could be severely impacted.