Diego Souza suspended for 30 days over fraudulent coaching license

Diego Souza, the current head coach of Joinville and former professional footballer, has received a 30-day preventive suspension from the Santa Catarina Sports Justice Tribunal (TJD-SC). The sanction follows an investigation into the use of a fraudulent coaching license.

The case is linked to a broader scandal involving the sale of fake diplomas, allegedly involving former Argentine player Alejandro Mancuso. Investigations suggest that certificates attributed to the Argentine Football Coaches Association (ATFA) were being sold to athletes for up to R$ 100,000.

Souza maintains that he was a victim of a scam, claiming he purchased the documentation in 2023 while playing for Grêmio and believed it was legitimate. While his registration was previously canceled by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Joinville has decided to keep him in his role. During the suspension, assistant coach Raphael Bahia will lead the team from the sidelines during matches, though Souza will continue to oversee training sessions.