Thunderbolt in Brazil! According to information reported by Globo, the president of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, has decided to dismiss Fernando Diniz from his position as coach of the Brazilian National Team. This comes following a provisional decision by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) reinstating Rodrigues in office, just after his dismissal last December by the Rio de Janeiro Justice Court.
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The shock announcement
According to the same source, Ednaldo Rodrigues would have informed the president of Fluminense, Mario Bittencourt, of his decision, a club where Diniz also works as a coach. The news was then communicated directly to Fernando Diniz in the afternoon, thus ending his mandate at the head of the Seleção.
In an exchange with the now ex-coach, Rodrigues reportedly expressed his appreciation for the work Diniz has done with the national team, but highlighted his earlier promise to Bittencourt not to disrupt Diniz’s situation at Fluminense.
Very mixed results for Diniz with Brazil
Fernando Diniz has led the Seleção in six matches, all played in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. His record includes victories against Bolivia and Peru, a draw against Venezuela, as well as defeats against Uruguay, Colombia, and another historic one against Argentina at the Maracanã. Under his orders, the Brazilian National Team also saw itself fall from the world podium in the FIFA rankings.
Hired in July 2023 for a one-year term, Diniz was expected to remain in the role until the planned arrival of Carlo Ancelotti in June 2024. However, the plan was thwarted when the Italian renewed his contract with Real Madrid.
Dorival Júnior in pole position?
Initially, Diniz was expected to lead the national team in the March friendlies against England and Spain, but that prospect now appears to be ruled out.
The favorite to replace Diniz would be Dorival Júnior, the current coach of São Paulo. The CBF president is also said to be considering the name of former fullback Filipe Luís to fill the position of national team coordinator. These two friendly matches can be the official debut of the new coach.
