Thiago Silva and Felipe Melo Linked to Alleged Fake Coaching Licence Network

An investigation into allegedly forged coaching qualifications has raised fresh concerns in Brazilian and Argentine football, with veteran figures Silva and Melo among those said to have obtained licences through a network promising diplomas within 10 days. The operation is alleged to have charged 100,000 Brazilian reais, approximately $20,000, while allowing applicants to avoid the required training programme.

Alleged shortcut for former players

Recordings connected to the inquiry feature Mancuso discussing what he described as an arrangement for prominent former footballers to bypass a lengthy online coaching course. He said he had reached an understanding with the president of an association to create a route for players with extensive careers in the game.

• The alleged service offered coaching documentation after a 10-day process.
• Clients were reportedly asked to pay 100,000 Brazilian reais for the qualification.
• The normal programme referred to in the recordings lasts three years and is completed online.
• Silva and Melo were named among several experienced football figures linked to the alleged scheme.

Mancuso, the former Boca Juniors player, denied that he had personally sold any qualifications. He said Brazilian callers contacted him because he was known in the country and asked how they could obtain the documents. His position was that he simply directed them to federation contacts and explained the process when requested.

ATFA rejects Mancuso connection

The Argentine Football Coaches Association, ATFA, has publicly disassociated itself from Mancuso and any purported activity he may have undertaken in its name.

General secretary Salvador Pasini said the organisation did not accept any agreement Mancuso claimed to have made for ATFA. Pasini added that Mancuso was not a board member, did not hold an official role, had no contract with the association and lacked permission to represent it.

ATFA also said that any proposed payments, offers or document deliveries linked to its name by Mancuso were not connected to the institution.

Questions over diploma validity and possible sanctions

Further doubts have emerged over the paperwork itself after an image circulated of a diploma dated December 2023 carrying the signature of Victor Cocco. Cocco had left his position as an ATFA director in 2020, three years before the document’s stated date.

• The coaches implicated could have their licences withdrawn.
• Regional football bodies may open formal ethics proceedings.
• The issue could complicate moves into coaching roles for former players approaching the end of their playing careers.
• Authorities in Brazil and Argentina are expected to expand cross-border inquiries into the suspected forged-document operation.

Any revocation of credentials would present a significant administrative obstacle for those seeking to begin work in the dugout, while the wider investigation is expected to focus on identifying how the alleged network issued and distributed the disputed coaching badges.