Carlo Ancelotti officially began his tenure as Brazil’s national team head coach on June 26 with a two-year contract, setting his sights on the 2026 World Cup. However, the celebrated Italian manager’s appointment has come under scrutiny, as FIFA has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the deal.
According to FIFA, the probe centers around the involvement of an unlicensed agent, identified as Fernandez, who was responsible for negotiating Ancelotti’s contract during the administration of former CBF president Ednaldo Rodriguez. Fernandez reportedly stands to receive a €1.2 million commission for brokering the deal—despite not holding an official agent license, which violates FIFA regulations.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) acknowledged the arrangement and claimed Fernandez acted under Rodriguez’s leadership, who was ousted by a court order on May 15. FIFA has requested a formal explanation from CBF regarding the matter.
Despite the controversy, Ancelotti has already begun full preparations for Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign, with the Seleção set to face Ecuador on Friday. The investigation now casts a shadow over what was expected to be a fresh chapter for Brazil’s five-time world champions under one of football’s most accomplished coaches.
