Brazil’s interim coach, Fernando Diniz, was fired on Friday by the country’s Football Federation (CBF).
The CBF reported in a statement that president Ednaldo Rodrigues informed Diniz that he wanted to “move forward in the process of electing a permanent coach.”
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
Diniz was hired as interim coach for the five-time World Cup winners in July on a one-year deal, and the federation is confident of appointing Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti this summer after ending his contract with the giants. Spanish people.
However, Ancelotti last week signed a new contract with Madrid until 2026. Without Ancelotti as an option, Rodrigues has now decided to hire a permanent replacement for Tite, who resigned following Brazil’s quarter-final exit from the 2022 World Cup.
“The CBF thanks Fernando Diniz for his work, his dedication, his seriousness and for the challenge of renewing Brazil,” says a statement.
The decision was made a day after Rodrigues returned to office following a decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court. Rodrigues and all of his executives were removed from their positions on December 7 following a ruling by a Rio de Janeiro court on irregularities in the 2022 electoral process.
São Paulo coach Dorival Junior is the current favorite to take over as permanent head coach, and Rodrigues has already spoken with São Paulo president Julio Casares, sources told ESPN Brasil.
São Paulo is not willing to let its coach go for free and has asked the CBF to pay a sum to terminate Dorival’s contract, which will be around 4.5 million reais ($920,000), sources said.
During his time in Brazil, Diniz continued as coach of Fluminense, which he led to the Copa Libertadores title in November.
However, it made a disappointing start to Brazil’s campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Brazil has lost three of its first six matches and is sixth in the standings. Only the top six teams automatically qualify from South America, with seventh place entering a playoff.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
