Brazilian Football Confederation president Samir Xaud is facing a scandal as the national team tries to stay focused on the World Cup in the United States. South American reports, including one from Argentina's TN, say a businesswoman in the fitness industry traveled to the U.S. as a guest of the federation, while Brazilian media allege she is Xaud's mistress.
According to the reports, the federation may have paid for her flights, lodging and transportation. Photos of Xaud with the fitness entrepreneur reportedly circulated in Brazil and sparked the uproar, with the images said to have been taken in the U.S. around World Cup matches. At this stage, the matter is being reported as allegations only, and there is no formal criminal charge against him.
The affair has drawn extra attention because Xaud has been married to Natalia for more than 20 years, and they have three children. A Brazilian gossip journalist claimed that since Xaud took office, the federation has allegedly paid for trips involving "friends, family members and mistresses," intensifying criticism of the organization's internal conduct.
Xaud assumed the federation presidency after a turbulent period that ended with the removal of his predecessor, Ednaldo Rodrigues, over a legal case involving alleged forged signatures on documents that extended his tenure. The scandal comes as Brazil is in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, and the federation is trying to project stability after years of management crises, power struggles and public criticism. Brazilian media are now asking who approved the woman's trip, who paid for hotels and transfers, and whether federation money was used for personal purposes.
