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Sports Desk, May 31, 2025 : The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the head coach of the Brazilian national football team sent shockwaves through the football world. However, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is now under FIFA’s investigation regarding this appointment. The allegation is that an unauthorized intermediary was paid a €1.2 million commission, a direct violation of FIFA’s agent regulations.
FIFA rules stipulate that only registered agents can mediate football contracts or transfers. Yet, Diego Fernandez, a Brazilian businessman not licensed by FIFA, has been named in Ancelotti’s contract. According to ESPN Brazil, Fernandez’s involvement in the appointment process and his inclusion in the contract have raised suspicions.
UOL Sports reports that FIFA has sent a letter to the CBF, demanding all documents and communications related to Fernandez by June 4. The following day, Ancelotti is scheduled to make his debut as Brazil’s coach against Ecuador in Guayaquil.
The controversy deepened when it emerged that Fernandez arrived in Rio on the same flight as Ancelotti, wearing a retro Brazil jersey and presenting himself as an official CBF representative. This has caused discontent within the CBF’s current leadership under new president Samir Jaouder, who succeeded Ednaldo Rodrigues.
The 65-year-old Ancelotti’s contract extends until the 2026 World Cup, with an annual salary of approximately €10 million. While his appointment is a significant milestone for Brazilian football, the legal complications surrounding it threaten the CBF’s administration. FIFA has previously penalized federations in Africa and Asia for similar unauthorized intermediary issues, and this could be Latin America’s first major case. If the CBF fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, Ancelotti’s contract could face scrutiny, and the federation may face financial or administrative sanctions.
As Brazil begins its 2026 World Cup preparations under Ancelotti’s leadership, this investigation casts a shadow over the credibility of Brazilian football’s administration.
AI/MR
AI/MR
