Football and money: Brazil national team also refused

World football is facing a situation that is rekindling the discussion about sports performance and the pursuit of money - the complicated negotiations between the Brazilian Confederation and coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach's situation in relation to the Brazilian national team has become a real media and diplomatic puzzle, with important sources providing contradictory information. On the one hand, the Brazilian press and renowned journalists in Europe state that the Italian coach has reached a verbal agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). On the other hand, the French publication L'Équipe reports that the negotiations have been suspended, due to the categorical opposition of the Real Madrid club. In the meantime, petro-dollars have also appeared on the line. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the sporting challenge can no longer compete with a lot of money.

• CBF, disappointed

According to L'Équipe, Real Madrid has firmly refused to release Ancelotti before the end of his contract, after the coach allegedly requested compensation of 4 million euros. In this context, the CBF has reportedly decided to abandon negotiations and focus on other options. Sources within the federation confirmed to French journalists that "everything is over with Carlo". The disappointment is all the greater as Brazil seemed to have already made its plans around Ancelotti: there was even talk of the date of the announcement of the squad (May 26) and of his debut on the Selecao bench in the June matches against Ecuador and Paraguay, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. On the other hand, in Spain, the publications Marca and As, as well as the well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano, claim that Ancelotti has accepted the position of Brazil coach, and an official announcement is imminent. According to them, the Italian coach would leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, after the Club World Cup final, and sign a contract with CBF valid until 2026, with the possibility of extension until 2030. Furthermore, the aforementioned sources state that the separation from Real Madrid would be done by mutual agreement, the club appreciating Ancelotti's exceptional performances (15 trophies won in two terms, including 3 Champions Leagues). In the meantime, an extraordinary offer from a financial point of view has also appeared, from Saudi Arabia, which would bring Ancelotti a salary of 50 million euros per season.

• CBF is looking for alternatives: Jorge Jesus, favorite

In parallel, CBF is also analyzing other more realistic financial options. The number one favorite, in this scenario, seems to be Jorge Jesus, former coach of Benfica and Flamengo, recently released from his commitments after parting ways with the Saudi club Al-Hilal. Jesus already has a strong connection with Brazilian football, and his attacking style and experience in South America make him an attractive candidate for a federation in the throes of an identity and performance crisis. For now, neither the CBF, nor Real Madrid, nor Carlo Ancelotti know exactly what will happen next, which further increases the confusion surrounding this case. Nothing has been officially signed. It is certain that Brazil urgently needs a leader, especially in the context of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the desire to rebuild a team capable of becoming world champions again, but the match between sporting glory and piles of money already has a clear winner.