CBF cancels Diego Souza’s coaching registration over fraudulent licenses

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has canceled the coaching registration of Diego Souza, the current manager of Joinville, following an investigation into fraudulent coaching licenses. The cancellation occurred after reports revealed a scheme involving the sale of fake certificates from the Argentine Football Coaches Association (ATFA).

According to investigations, former player Alejandro Mancuso allegedly posed as an international director for ATFA, offering certificates to prominent former athletes for approximately R$ 100,000. These documents promised to bypass the required three-year training courses. Other high-profile names reportedly involved in the scheme include Thiago Silva, Felipe Melo, and Roberto Carlos.

While Souza’s registration is revoked, he may continue working with Joinville, though he is prohibited from being on the technical bench during matches or signing match reports. A staff member with a valid CBF license must perform these duties until his status is regularized. ATFA has confirmed that the licenses held by Souza and other football personalities were not authentic.