Seedorf Misses Corinthians Debut After Work Permit Delay
Clarence Seedorf will not be on the Corinthians touchline for Monday’s Campeonato Brasileiro round-31 match after the club did not secure his work-permit documentation before the Brazilian Football Confederation registration deadline.
Corinthians and Seedorf: key details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Managerial contract | Until the end of 2027 |
| League position | 16th, with 32 points |
| Recent run | Eight consecutive defeats |
| Expected first match on the bench | Vasco da Gama away, October 24 |
The former Netherlands midfielder’s name was not included in Friday’s daily registration bulletin, meaning he cannot officially take charge of the team from the bench on Monday. The required administrative process was not completed in time.
Seedorf was presented by Corinthians last Sunday after Fernando Diniz’s dismissal and agreed a deal through to the end of 2027. He arrived in Brazil on Wednesday and has already led three sessions with the first-team squad.
The 50-year-old inherits a difficult situation in São Paulo. Corinthians, whose squad includes Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard, sit one place above the relegation zone after losing their past eight matches. They have collected 32 points and face a demanding final stretch of the campaign.
On accepting the role, Seedorf described the job as both an honour and a major responsibility. He said his aim was to commit fully to building a side prepared to compete for every ball, throughout every match, in pursuit of wins.
Return to coaching after five years
The Corinthians appointment is Seedorf’s first managerial role since leaving Cameroon in 2019. It follows his departure from the supervisory board of the KNVB, the Dutch football association.
His earlier coaching jobs came at AC Milan, Shenzhen FC and Deportivo La Coruña, with varied outcomes. Seedorf’s standing in the game is principally built on an exceptional playing career, which ended in 2014.
He remains the only player to have won the Champions League with three separate clubs. His four European Cup triumphs came with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan, where he won the competition twice.
Corinthians are now seeking to complete the outstanding clearance during the coming week. Seedorf is expected to make his official dugout debut on October 24 at São Januário, where Corinthians meet Vasco da Gama in a significant relegation contest. Six days later, they are scheduled to host Mirassol.
