Independiente del Valle Decides Against Buying Coritiba SAF

Brazilian media reports indicate that there are rumors about the Independiente del Valle Group possibly acquiring a stake in Coritiba’s Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF). However, the Brazilian club has confirmed that no formal negotiations are happening right now.

Since Lucas de Paula took over as CEO of Coritiba in April, the club has seen interest from various investment groups. De Paula noted, “In the restructuring we are conducting, a club of Coritiba’s size, with over two million fans and a stable financial status, naturally attracts global attention.” He acknowledged Independiente del Valle’s achievements in player development but emphasized that “there is currently no official deal in place.”

The Independiente Group operates clubs under a model similar to those of other global organizations like City Football Group or Eagle Group, which oversees Botafogo. Their main club, Independiente del Valle, is well-regarded in South America for its strong professional structure, youth development, and achievements, including two Copa Sudamericanas (2019, 2022) and the 2023 Recopa Sudamericana. The group also owns Numancia in Spain’s third division and is the majority stakeholder in Atlético Huila of Colombia.

Coritiba has long been interested in adopting Del Valle’s approach. Earlier this year, the club’s sporting head William Thomas and Treecorp’s Bruno D’Ancona visited the Ecuadorian team’s training facilities to explore the strategies behind its success. The goal is to implement long-term methods aimed at talent development and financial stability, although there is currently no formal economic agreement with the Independiente Group.