FIFA has requested clarification from Brazil regarding the commission negotiated with the businessman who mediated the hiring of new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, according to local media reports.
The global governing body questioned the involvement of intermediary Diego Fernandes, who is not registered as an agent with FIFA. This, according to an official letter sent to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), could represent a “potential breach” of FIFA regulations.
The letter, published by Brazilian outlets, asks the CBF to provide all documents and communications related to the agreement with Fernandes, as well as copies of any payment receipts.
The CBF stated that its governance department is “evaluating” the situation and noted that the confidential agreement with Ancelotti was negotiated under the leadership of former president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was removed from office in April by court order due to an alleged document fraud case.
Fernandes, in a press statement, said he plans to officially register as a soccer intermediary and will only accept payment for his involvement in the Ancelotti deal after completing that process.
“Diego acted formally as a consultant due to the short timeframe available for the negotiation,” the statement said, noting that this timeframe was incompatible with completing FIFA’s agent registration process. The statement was sent to the outlet Ge.
According to UOL, the CBF agreed to pay a commission of $1.2 million to Fernandes, who accompanied Ancelotti on his flight to Rio de Janeiro last Sunday.
Fernandes is the executive director of 08 Partners, a financial services firm that, according to reports, provides advisory services to several athletes.
