RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – According to two sources familiar with the decision, Coach Fernando Diniz will no longer be leading the Brazil national team. It was also revealed that Sao Paulo coach Dorival Junior is being considered as a possible replacement for the position.
Diniz, who was initially appointed on an interim basis, had a one-year contract but oversaw six games for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round. The team’s performance under his leadership included three defeats, one draw, and two wins. Despite his work with Fluminense, where he won the Copa Libertadores last year, it was deemed that Diniz’s departure is a result of the underwhelming national team results, as stated by one of the sources. Brazil is currently in sixth place in the South American World Cup qualifying standings.
According to the second source, “Ednaldo approached the president of Fluminense (Mario Bittencourt) to thank him for allowing Diniz to join the national team at a time when he was needed. He then informed Diniz that he was seeking a new coach and would no longer be a part of the plans once a replacement was found.”
The decision for the coach’s departure from the national team aligns with the strategy of the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, to revamp the team’s strategy for 2024. The CBF had initially considered Carlo Ancelotti for the position, but the Italian chose to extend his contract with Real Madrid. Now, according to the sources, Dorival is the favorite to take over as the team’s leader. Both sources chose to remain anonymous.
“Ednaldo has already initiated discussions with the president of Sao Paulo, Julio Casares, to express his interest in Dorival Jr,” added the second source.
“He mentioned that he was keen to have Dorival onboard soon due to the upcoming season. Julio has stated that he will speak to Dorival and that the situation will be resolved by Monday.”
The decision was made following Rodrigues’ return to the helm of the CBF, a result of a decision by Minister Gilmar Mendes of the Federal Supreme Court (STF). This decision came after Rodrigues had been removed from his position in early December by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice.
(Reporting by Pedro Fonseca, Writing by Angelica Medina; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
