RIO DE JANEIRO.- The coach of BrazilFernando Diniz was fired on Friday, a source with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The main candidate to replace him is Dorival Juniorfrom Sao Paulo.
The source in the Brazilian Football Confederationwho spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to discuss the dismissal, said the decision came from the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Rodrigues returned to office by decision of the Supreme Court of Brazila month after another court removed him and his directors.
Diniz shared the position of coach of Brazil with that of Fluminensechampion of the Libertadores Cup. He was hired until mid-year, as Rodrigues hoped that the Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelottiassumed the position in Brazil before the America Cup in June in USA. But the Italian recently extended his stay at Madrid.
“Ednaldo spoke to Diniz this morning,” the source said. “The reason is the need to find a coach who will remain in charge until the 2026 World Cup.. The agreement with Diniz was that he would stay until Ancelotti arrived. “Now that the Italian will not arrive, there must be a change.”
The source also said there was an offer ready for Sao Paulo coach Dorival Júnior, who has won the Libertadores Cup and the Brazilian Cup.
Worrying situation in Brazil:
Brazil He is sixth in the South American classification for the World, eight points behind the leader, Argentina. South America has six qualifying spots for the 2026 tournament. The seventh-ranked team will access the intercontinental playoffs.
Diniz directed Brazil in the six games played so far. defeated Bolivia and Peru, tied with Venezuela at home, and lost with Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina. The next two rounds will be in September, after the America Cup.
The measure occurs three days before the visit of executives from the FIFA and the CONMEBOL to discuss the alleged interference of third parties in the leadership of the CBF, which was revoked by the decision of the Supreme Court. The FIFA threatened to suspend Brazil of international competitions for it.
FOUNTAIN: AP
