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Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), is facing allegations of misusing funds to finance a New York trip with his alleged mistress before flying to Mexico to attend the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony with his wife.
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Brazilian Football Confederation president Samir Xaud. Photo by AFP |
According to Leo Dias, Xaud's alleged mistress, fitness entrepreneur Camila Cristina Andrade, stayed for eight days at the Hyatt Regency Grand Central hotel in Manhattan. The room was reportedly booked under Xaud's name, with a bill of approximately US$11,500.
Photographs published by the Brazilian news portal show Xaud and Andrade dining at the upscale Harry Cipriani restaurant on June 3, before departing in a vehicle allegedly rented by the football federation.
The situation then took a dramatic turn. Leo Dias reported that Xaud left Andrade in New York and flew back to Brazil to attend the women's national team match against the U.S. on June 8. Following this, he traveled to Mexico City to reunite with his wife of over 20 years, Natalia Xaud. Together, the couple attended the World Cup opening ceremony on the morning of June 12.
This is not the first time Xaud has faced scrutiny. He reportedly used funds to bring model and influencer Tamares Fernandes Barcellos to Qatar for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December 2025. This trip allegedly included a business-class flight on Emirates and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Doha from Dec. 15 to 19. Documents obtained by Leo Dias suggest the federation paid nearly $3,400 for the hotel accommodations alone.
Xaud was also accused of using public funds to cover travel costs for relatives, friends, and various women attending sporting events abroad.
The CBF quickly issued a statement to Radio Itatiaia denying the allegations.
"The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) rejects the accusation regarding the alleged misuse of the organization's budget," the statement read. "The federation's expenditures only relate to organizational activities, while the personal expenses of its officials are paid by themselves. The current CBF leadership operates on the basis of transparency, managerial accountability and a commitment to integrity."
Argentine news outlet Infobae reported that Xaud personally paid the New York hotel bill on June 15, shortly after being contacted by Leo Dias. It remains unclear whether he has reimbursed the federation for any flights associated with the December trip to Qatar or the recent trip to the U.S.
The scandal has sparked controversy, reportedly forcing Xaud to temporarily leave the Brazil national team's training center in New Jersey when they prepared for their group-stage match against Haiti. Team activities proceeded as scheduled.
Xaud was seen in the stadium's VIP box alongside the FIFA president and several Brazilian football legends during Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti.
