Brazil Extends Deadline for Ancelotti Amid Real Madrid Drama

Brazil Extends Deadline for Ancelotti Amid Real Madrid Drama

In a move that has sent ripples through the football world, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has decided to extend its deadline for Carlo Ancelotti to take over as the men’s national team coach. This decision, revealed by sources to ESPN, shows Brazil’s willingness to wait until Real Madrid‘s fate is sealed in the LaLiga title race.

Currently, Real Madrid is trailing four points behind the leaders, Barcelona, with five games left in the season. The tension is palpable as the two giants are set to clash in another Clásico on May 11. This match could very well be a turning point in the title race, and the outcome might influence Ancelotti’s decision.

However, the situation is not just about the games on the field. Behind the scenes, there is a standoff between Ancelotti and Real Madrid regarding the terms and timing of his departure. This needs to be ironed out before the Italian maestro can accept the coveted Brazil job.

The CBF is eager to have a new coach in place by May 26, coinciding with the announcement of the latest Brazil squad for the World Cup qualifiers in June against Ecuador and Paraguay. This timeline adds another layer of urgency to the ongoing negotiations.

According to ESPN, Ancelotti and Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, are expected to meet soon to discuss the situation. Ancelotti has been the CBF’s long-term preferred candidate to lead Brazil into the 2026 World Cup, but financial issues regarding his exit from Madrid are proving to be a significant hurdle.

Real Madrid’s final game of the LaLiga season is against Real Sociedad, scheduled for either May 24 or 25 at the Bernabéu. The financial terms of Ancelotti’s departure hinge on whether he is fired or leaves to take the Brazil job. His tenure has seen the team eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals and defeated in the Copa del Rey final.

A source told ESPN that Ancelotti, who is under contract until June 2026, risks a significant reduction in his settlement from Madrid if he leaves for Brazil. The club expects compensation from the CBF for releasing him from his contract. Typically, Madrid pays managers a six-month severance package upon dismissal, regardless of the remaining contract length.

Another source suggested a possible compromise: Madrid could pay Ancelotti a percentage of his remaining salary, with Brazil covering the shortfall. This could be a win-win solution for all parties involved.

While Ancelotti remains the CBF’s top choice, they are also considering other candidates like Al Hilal‘s Jorge Jesus and Palmeiras’ Abel Ferreira, according to sources.

• Real Madrid is four points behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
• Brazil wants a new coach by May 26 for World Cup qualifiers.
• Ancelotti’s contract with Madrid runs until June 2026.
• Financial negotiations are ongoing between Ancelotti, Madrid, and the CBF.

As the football world watches, the outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. Will Ancelotti make the leap to Brazil, or will he stay in Madrid to see out his contract? Only time will tell.