On Friday, Brazil’s interim coach, Fernando Diniz, faced dismissal from the country’s soccer federation (CBF).
According to a statement from the CBF, President Ednaldo Rodrigues communicated to Diniz his intention to “advance the process of choosing a permanent coach.”
Diniz took on the role of interim coach for the five-time World Cup winners in July, under a one-year contract.
The federation initially aimed to secure Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as a permanent replacement, envisioning his availability after the conclusion of his contract with the Spanish giants this summer.
However, Ancelotti recently extended his contract with Madrid through 2026.
With Ancelotti out of contention, Rodrigues has opted to expedite the search for a permanent replacement for Tite, who resigned after Brazil’s quarterfinal exit in the 2022 World Cup.
“The CBF thanks Fernando Diniz for his work, his dedication, his seriousness and for the challenge of revamping Brazil,” a statement said.
The decision was taken one day after Rodrigues returned to his role following a decision from Brazil’s Supreme Court.
Rodrigues and all his executives had been removed from their jobs on Dec. 7 after a Rio de Janeiro court ruling on irregularities in the 2022 election process.
São Paulo coach Dorival Junior is the current front-runner to take over as permanent head coach, with Rodrigues having already spoken to São Paulo president Julio Casares, sources told ESPN Brasil.
São Paulo are unwilling to let their coach leave for free and have asked the CBF to pay a fee to terminate Dorival’s contract, which will be around R$4.5 million ($920,000), sources said.
Diniz remained the head coach of Fluminense during his time with Brazil, leading them to the Copa Libertadores title in November.
However, he oversaw a disappointing start to Brazil’s campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Brazil have lost three of their first six matches and sit in sixth place in the standings.
Only the top six teams qualify automatically from South America, with seventh place entering a playoff.