Ecuadorian defender Robert Arboleda of São Paulo missed the team concentration for the April 4 match against Cruzeiro and traveled to Ecuador without club authorization. He faces court cases totaling over R$ 6.5 million, with São Paulo assuming some debts. The club notified the player, demanding explanations within 24 hours.
Robert Arboleda missed São Paulo's match against Cruzeiro on Saturday, April 4, after failing to attend the team concentration and traveling to Ecuador without permission. On Sunday, he was spotted at a party in his home country. Football director Rui Costa condemned the behavior: “There is no justification for this act. It is a lack of respect to the group, the management, and the fans”.
Currently a reserve under coach Roger Machado, Arboleda is reportedly unhappy with his reduced role. The club issued a formal notification, giving him 24 hours to provide explanations and regularize his professional status.
In addition to the incident, the Ecuadorian faces several lawsuits. A former lawyer seeks unpaid fees since 2025; courts blocked R$ 12,500 and a Porsche 911 Carrera worth R$ 800,000, but approved a settlement on April 6, with São Paulo agreeing to pay. Other cases include R$ 179,000 rent arrears settled by the club and a R$ 3 million deal with agency Euro Futs in 2024.
São Paulo did not comment on covering the player's debts. Arboleda's defense did not respond to inquiries.
