Brazil National team coach Diniz fired after string of poor results

Fernando Diniz, the stand-in manager for Brazil's soccer squad, was unexpectedly shown the door on Friday. According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), President Ednaldo Rodrigues wanted to "fast-track the appointment of a permanent coach."

Diniz took the reins in July 2023, signing a one-year contract. Back then, the CBF believed landing Real Madrid's mastermind, Carlo Ancelotti, after his summer contract expiration was a sure bet. But last week, Ancelotti dashed their hopes by extending his stay at Madrid till 2026.

With Plan A kaput, Rodrigues revived the hunt for a permanent replacement for Tite, who stepped down after a disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup. "The CBF appreciates Fernando Diniz's commitment, dedication, and his efforts to revitalize the team," the CBF statement acknowledged.

This decision comes just a day after Rodrigues reclaimed his post upon a Supreme Court ruling. A Rio court had temporarily ousted him and his team on December 7th due to irregularities in the 2022 CBF elections.

ESPN Brasil sources point to São Paulo's Dorival Junior as the frontrunner for the permanent role. Rodrigues reportedly held talks with his club president, Julio Casares. However, São Paulo wants compensation for Junior's departure, demanding a $920,000 buyout of his contract.

While guiding Brazil, Diniz kept his day job at Fluminense, leading them to Copa Libertadores glory in November. However, Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign under his watch went awry. They lost three of their first six matches and languish in sixth place. Only the top six South American teams secure automatic World Cup berths; the seventh-place team faces a grueling playoff.