FIFA have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil’s national team manager.
Specifically, the football governing body question the involvement of an unlicensed intermediary in the deal.
According to reports from Sport and UOL Esporte, FIFA are scrutinising a €1.2 million commission paid by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to Diego Fernandes, a Brazilian businessman with close ties to the CBF but no official role or FIFA accreditation as an agent.
Fernandes was reportedly instrumental in brokering the agreement between Ancelotti and Brazil while the Italian was still under contract with Real Madrid.
Despite public denials, Ancelotti was in negotiations with Brazil months before his departure from Madrid, with Fernandes seen frequenting the Spanish capital and eventually photographed alongside the coach.
FIFA regulations prohibit unlicensed agents from conducting negotiations on behalf of federations or clubs.
Fernandes’ name reportedly appears in Ancelotti’s contract, prompting FIFA to demand clarification from the CBF by June 4, one day before Ancelotti is set to lead Brazil for the first time in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
The regulatory breach, if confirmed, could have implications for both the CBF and the coach’s contractual standing.
On the field, Ancelotti faces a challenging debut, with Brazil set to play second-placed Ecuador in Quito before hosting Paraguay.
