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Could FIFA Sack Ancelotti Before His First Match for Brazil?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 12:56 PM ET

FIFA has launched a bombshell investigation into Brazil’s football federation, demanding answers about a $1.2 million commission paid to Diego Fernandes, an unlicensed intermediary in Carlo Ancelotti’s hiring as national team coach (FIFA.com).

The probe, citing a potential breach of FIFA regulations, could see Ancelotti sacked before his first match. Fernandes’ lack of agent registration has sparked outrage and threatens to derail Brazil’s World Cup plans (BBC Sport).

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The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) admits the payment but points fingers at former president Ednaldo Rodrigues, ousted in April 2025 for alleged fraud. FIFA’s letter, last week, demands Fernandes’ role, payment records, and contract details by June 4, just one day before Brazil’s crucial qualifier against Ecuador (Sky Sports). If the CBF fails to comply, Ancelotti’s tenure could be over before it starts.

Fernandes claims he acted as a consultant, promising to register as an agent before cashing in the $1.2 million. UOL Esporte reports his cozy ties with the CBF raise suspicions of corruption. The federation insists the deal is legit, hiding behind confidentiality clauses from Rodrigues’ chaotic reign.

Ancelotti, unveiled on May 26, 2025, after leaving Real Madrid, faces a firestorm as he preps for his debut (Sky Sports). The 65-year-old, tasked with ending Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought, made the bold move to omit Neymar placing his faith in stars like Vinícius Jr. to deliver. But FIFA’s scrutiny could bench him before he even steps into the dugout.

FIFA rules mandate registered intermediaries for coaching deals, and violations could slap the CBF with sanctions or void Ancelotti’s contract entirely (FIFA.com). The federation’s history of instability, no elected president has finished a term since 2012, only fuels the chaos (Reuters). Brazil’s football legacy teeters as FIFA’s probe threatens to sack Ancelotti.

Fans are livid, with social media ablaze over the CBF’s latest blunder (UOL Esporte). Ancelotti vows to fuse European tactics with Brazil’s flair, but this scandal could end his mission before kickoff. Will FIFA’s decision leave Brazil coach-less and their World Cup hopes in tatters?

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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