Senator Romário (PL-RJ) announced he would forgo his Senate salary while covering the 2026 World Cup in the United States [1].
The move aims to address public criticism regarding the combination of his legislative duties with sports commentary. By renouncing his pay, the former footballer seeks to maintain his political mandate without appearing to profit from both roles simultaneously.
Romário said he did not take a formal leave of absence because he intends to vote on the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that would end the 6x1 work schedule [3]. This specific legislative priority ensured that he remained an active senator despite his presence at various World Cup venues [3].
Reports vary on the exact amount and status of the senator's compensation. Some sources state his monthly salary is R$ 46.4 thousand [1], while others list it as R$ 46 thousand [2].
There is a contradiction regarding whether the renunciation actually occurred. Several outlets report that Romário opened hand of his salary and will not receive it during the competition [1]. However, Otempo reported that Romário kept receiving his monthly pay while commenting on the event and promoting betting platforms [2].
According to the dossier, the period of salary renunciation is noted from June 11 to July 19 [4]. This timeline aligns with the 2026 World Cup schedule [4]. Romário said the decision was a response to the pressure and criticisms he faced for balancing his professional football interests with his government role [3].
“Romário announced he would forgo his Senate salary while covering the 2026 World Cup in the United States”
This situation highlights the tension between the public roles of celebrity-politicians and their private professional identities. By attempting to decouple his salary from his presence at the World Cup, Romário is navigating a perceived conflict of interest. However, the conflicting reports about whether the money was actually returned suggest a lack of transparency that may continue to fuel political criticism in Brazil.
