The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new head coach of Brazil’s national football team made global headlines. However, this high-profile recruitment has now placed the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) under FIFA investigation. The allegation is that a non-licensed intermediary was paid a €1.2 million commission for facilitating Ancelotti’s contract, a clear violation of FIFA’s agent regulations.
According to FIFA rules, only registered agents are authorized to mediate football contracts or transfers. However, the name of Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandez—who is not a FIFA-licensed agent—appears in Ancelotti’s contract. ESPN Brazil reports that Fernandez played a leading role in the negotiation process, raising suspicions over the deal’s legitimacy.
According to UOL Sports, FIFA has already sent a letter to the CBF demanding all documentation and communications related to Diego Fernandez’s involvement be submitted by June 4. Notably, just one day later, Ancelotti is set to lead Brazil in his debut match against Ecuador in Guayaquil.
The controversy deepened after Fernandez was seen traveling on the same flight to Rio de Janeiro as Ancelotti, wearing a retro Brazil jersey and presenting himself as an official representative of the CBF. His visible presence and influence have reportedly caused unrest among the CBF leadership. The board is now operating under newly appointed President Samir Jaoude, who replaced former President Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Carlo Ancelotti, aged 65, has been appointed through the 2026 World Cup, with an annual salary of approximately €10 million. While hiring such a successful coach is a major move for Brazilian football, the legal complications surrounding the deal pose a serious threat to the credibility of its football administration.
FIFA has previously taken action against similar unauthorized intermediation in federations across Africa and Asia. This could become the first major case of its kind in Latin America. If the CBF fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, questions could arise regarding the validity of Ancelotti’s contract, potentially leading to financial or administrative sanctions.
Although Brazil begins its 2026 World Cup campaign under the guidance of an experienced coach like Ancelotti, the controversy marks a troubling start. FIFA’s investigation now challenges not just a single contract, but the integrity of the entire Brazilian football governance system.