[Sportschosun reporter Jang Jong-ho] Allegations have surfaced that the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation used federation funds to cover the overseas stay of a woman suspected of being his mistress, sparking controversy. The Brazilian Football Confederation has flatly denied the allegations and said they are untrue.
The Daily Star, citing reports from the Brazilian outlet Leo Dias, said Brazilian Football Confederation president Samir Xaud, 42, is under suspicion of inviting a female influencer to the United States ahead of the opening event for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The outlet claimed that the female fitness influencer A stayed for eight days at the Hyatt Regency Grand Central in Manhattan, New York, and that the reservation was made under Samir Xaud's name. Local media reported that the lodging cost came to about $11,500, or roughly 18 million won.
Leo Dias also released a photo showing the two dining together at a well-known restaurant in New York on June 3. The report claimed that the vehicle they used was also rented by the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Xaud later left New York and attended a World Cup opening-related event in Mexico City, where he was reportedly reunited with his wife of more than 20 years. The couple is said to have three children.
This is not the first time such allegations have emerged. Leo Dias claimed that Xaud also used federation funds to cover the travel expenses of model and influencer B for a FIFA Intercontinental Cup match in Qatar in December last year.
As the controversy grew, the Brazilian Football Confederation immediately issued a statement denying the reports.
In a statement sent to a local broadcaster, the federation said, "The allegations of misuse of federation funds reported by the Leo Dias portal are not true," adding, "All expenses paid by the federation are related to official duties, and personal expenses of executives are covered by the individuals themselves."
It added, "We operate the federation based on transparency, administrative accountability, and ethical management as core principles," and "We will actively cooperate with any further necessary explanations."
Meanwhile, the South American outlet Infobae reported that Xaud is believed to have personally paid for the New York hotel stay shortly after receiving a request for comment from Leo Dias. However, it has not yet been officially confirmed whether the expense was always a personal payment or whether federation funds were used.
So far, the allegations are based on local media reports, and no findings from an official investigation or legal ruling have been announced.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
