CBF President Samir Xaud Faces Allegations of Misusing Funds for Personal Travel

Allegations Against CBF President

Samir Xaud, the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), is under significant scrutiny due to allegations that he misappropriated federation funds for personal travel and accommodations related to women he reportedly had relationships with. The CBF has firmly denied these claims.

As reported by a Brazilian media outlet, Xaud allegedly utilized CBF resources to arrange a flight for fitness entrepreneur Camila Cristina Andrade to New York prior to the FIFA World Cup. He also reportedly secured her accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Grand Central in Manhattan, with the stay costing around USD 11,500 for eight days. Photos surfaced showing Xaud and Andrade dining together at Harry Cipriani in New York on June 3, before departing in a vehicle that was allegedly rented by the federation.

Details of the Allegations

Following the New York trip, Xaud returned to Brazil to watch the national women's team compete against the United States on June 8. He then traveled to Mexico City, where he was seen with his wife, Natalia Xaud, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.

The allegations extend further, with reports indicating that Xaud also used federation funds to send model and influencer Tamares Fernandes Barcellos to Qatar for a FIFA Intercontinental World Cup match in December 2025. This trip reportedly included a business-class flight and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Doha, costing the federation nearly USD 3,400. Since taking office, Xaud has allegedly covered travel expenses for family, friends, and other women attending events outside Brazil.

CBF's Response to the Allegations

In response to the allegations, the CBF issued a statement to Radio Itatiaia, asserting that it rejects the claims of financial misconduct. The statement emphasized that all expenses incurred are strictly related to the CBF's institutional activities, and personal expenses of its directors are their own responsibility. The CBF administration prides itself on transparency, accountability, and integrity, and remains open for further clarification.

Reports indicate that Xaud personally settled the hotel charges in New York after being approached by the media regarding the allegations. The controversy led him to temporarily step away from Brazil's training base in New Jersey during preparations for a match against Haiti in Philadelphia. However, he later attended Brazil's 3-0 victory, where he was spotted in a luxury suite alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and several Brazilian football legends.

Lack of Comments from Involved Parties

Despite multiple media inquiries, neither Xaud, his wife, Barcellos, nor the CBF provided comments. Andrade was also unavailable for comment, according to reports.