- Diniz coached Brazil while simultaneously managing Rio de Janeiro-based club Fluminense
- He was hired on an interim basis in the hope of signing Carlo Ancelotti
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Brazil coach Fernando Diniz was fired on Friday, a source close to the decision told the Associated Press. The frontrunner to replace him is Dorival Júnior from Sao Paulo.
The Brazilian Football Federation source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the dismissal, said the decision came from CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Rodrigues was reinstated by Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday, a month after another court removed him and his directors.
Diniz shared the job in Brazil with coaching Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores champions.
He was given a contract until mid-year as Rodrigues expected Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to take the Brazil job before June's Copa America in the United States. But Ancelotti recently extended his stay in Madrid.
Brazilian interim manager Fernando Diniz has been fired from the national team
Diniz was hired on an interim basis in the hope of signing Carlo Ancelotti
With Ancelotti signing for Real Madrid on a long-term deal, Dorival Junior is now the favorite for the job
“Ednaldo spoke to Diniz this morning,” the source said. 'The reason is that he has to find a coach who will stay until the 2026 World Cup.
'His deal with Diniz was that he would stay until Ancelotti came. Since Ancelotti won't be coming, there has to be a change. The president of Fluminense was also informed.”
The source also said a bid has been prepared for Sao Paulo coach Dorival Júnior, who has won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Cup.
Brazil are sixth in South American World Cup qualifying, eight points behind leaders Argentina. South America has six qualifying spots for the 2026 tournament. The seventh-placed team will enter the intercontinental play-offs.
Diniz has coached Brazil in all six matches so far. They defeated Bolivia and Peru, drew at home against Venezuela and lost to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
The next two rounds are in September, after the Copa America.
The decision comes three days before FIFA and CONMEBOL executives visit to discuss alleged third-party interference in the CBF's top brass, which was reversed by the Supreme Court's decision.
FIFA threatened to suspend Brazil from international competitions.