Brazilian football is facing a fresh scandal after local reports accused federation president Samir Xaud of using federation money to cover the trip of a businesswoman to the United States during the World Cup. According to a report from Argentina’s TN, Xaud was drawn into controversy after Brazilian media circulated photos of him with a fitness entrepreneur, who was said to have traveled to the tournament as a guest of the federation.
The reports claim the woman’s flights and stay were paid for by the Brazilian Football Confederation, fueling allegations in Brazil that she was Xaud’s mistress. The scandal has gained extra attention because Xaud has been married to Natalia for more than 20 years and they have three children. South American media stressed that, for now, these are allegations only and not a formal criminal charge.
The photos that sparked the uproar were reportedly taken in the United States around World Cup matches. A Brazilian gossip journalist said that since Xaud took office, the federation has allegedly been paying for travel for “friends, family members and mistresses,” a claim that revived broader criticism of the body’s internal conduct.
Xaud assumed the presidency after a turbulent period for the federation. His predecessor, Ednaldo Rodrigues, was removed after a legal case involving suspicion of a forged signature on documents that had allowed him to remain in office. The latest controversy comes as Brazil’s national team 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. In Brazil, questions are now being raised over who approved the woman’s trip, who paid for her hotel and transfers, and whether federation funds were used for private purposes.
