Santos FC statute reform and election timeline under review as political landscape shifts
As Marcelo Teixeira’s term nears its conclusion, Santos FC faces a complex statutory process to potentially move its presidential election from December to October, while three distinct political factions begin to organise for the upcoming contest.
Santos FC is currently navigating the final stages of president Marcelo Teixeira’s term, with preparations for the next presidential election intensifying. The club’s Deliberative Council recently rejected a proposal to require two prior board terms for candidates, retaining the existing rule of 10 years’ uninterrupted membership following fan protests. Potential contenders include Teixeira, who has not yet confirmed his candidacy; Ivan Luduvice, who is positioning himself as an opposition pre-candidate; and a joint ticket formed by 2023 runners-up Maurício Maruca and Rodrigo Marino. The election date remains uncertain, with proposals to move the vote from the traditional December slot to October pending further statutory approvals.
The most significant recent development concerns the eligibility criteria for the presidency. A committee responsible for drafting the new statute had proposed that candidates must have served at least two terms on the club board. This measure sparked strong dissatisfaction and protests from supporters, particularly regarding rules tied to voting days. In response, the Deliberative Council backed down and approved keeping the current rule, which requires only 10 years of uninterrupted club membership. This decision directly addresses the demands made during the demonstrations, marking a victory for the fan base in the ongoing dispute over statute rules.
Political maneuvering is already underway as potential candidates begin to organise their campaigns. Marcelo Teixeira has not yet confirmed whether he will seek reelection or support another name from his political group. This silence is characteristic of his political style; in the 2023 election, he officially launched his candidacy only 23 days before the vote. His current ambiguity leaves the field open for other factions to position themselves ahead of the formal announcement.
Ivan Luduvice, who finished fourth in the 2023 election as Ricardo Agostinho’s vice-presidential candidate, is actively using social media to criticise the current administration and gather support. Luduvice is positioning himself as an opposition pre-candidate, leveraging his platform to challenge the incumbent’s record. His early engagement suggests he aims to capitalise on the dissatisfaction that led to the recent statute protests, establishing a clear alternative to the current leadership before the election is officially called.
Meanwhile, a joint ticket formed by 2023 runners-up Maurício Maruca and Rodrigo Marino has confirmed their alliance. The pair, who received 2,451 votes in the last election, stated they have a structured plan with strong financial and administrative backing to rebuild the club. Marino confirmed the partnership in a recent interview, emphasising their preparedness to take control. Their combined effort represents a significant consolidation of opposition forces, potentially challenging both Teixeira and Luduvice.
The date of the election is currently uncertain, with proposals to move the vote from December to October pending further statutory approvals. Traditionally, Santos elections take place on the second weekend of December. However, the Deliberative Council approved a change in the text of the new statute bringing the vote forward to the third weekend of October. For this new date to take effect this year, three steps remain: approval of remaining statute articles by the Council, final approval at a General Assembly, and a specific board vote on whether the date change applies in 2026 or 2029.
