February 16 – CBF president Rogerio Caboclo has rejected renewed criticism from Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira over Brazil’s congested club calendar.
This weekend the Portuguese manager of the Sao Paulo giants again criticised the Brazilian football calendar and demanded detail of a conversation between Caboclo and FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the topic. “Whoever rules Brazilian football has to have courage,” said Ferreira. “There are decisions to be made and [we have] to realise that it is impossible to prepare for a World Cup with this density of matches.”
The Portuguese was referring to Palmeiras’ failed campaign at the recent Club World Cup when the South American champions finished fourth.
In a statement, Caboclo denied he held such a conversation with Infantino. He also said that the “CBF also reinforces that, throughout the season, the club played only the matches which it is contractually committed to, without the interference of the CBF.”
This was not the first time that the Portuguese coach complained about the number of matches his team has had to play. Since last summer and the restart of the Brazilian top flight after the coronavirus shutdown, Palmeiras have featured in more than 50 games. Brazil’s Serie A will conclude on February 26, with the state championships kicking off the new season just a few days later.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714054848labto1714054848ofdlr1714054848owedi1714054848sni@o1714054848fni1714054848