The Brazilian Football Confederation's president allegedly ran a dual-track travel programme during the World Cup build-up — one for federation business, one considerably more personal.
Samir Xaud, 42, is accused of using CBF funds to fly fitness entrepreneur Camila Cristina Andrade to New York, where she reportedly spent eight days at Manhattan's Hyatt Regency Grand Central. The hotel bill: approximately $11,500, booked under Xaud's name. Brazilian outlet Portal Leo Dias published photos that appear to show the pair dining at Harry Cipriani on June 3, before departing in a vehicle allegedly rented by the federation.
Xaud then left Andrade in New York, flew back to Brazil for the women's national team match against the United States on June 8, and continued to Mexico City — where his wife of over 20 years, Natalia, was waiting for him at the World Cup opening ceremony. Three children at home. $11,500 hotel tab allegedly on the federation's card. The logistics alone are something.
This wasn't a one-off
Portal Leo Dias also reported a separate trip to Qatar in December 2025, when model and influencer Tamares Fernandes Barcellos allegedly travelled to a FIFA Intercontinental World Cup match courtesy of the CBF. The package reportedly included a business-class Emirates flight and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Doha from December 15–19, with documents suggesting the federation covered nearly $3,400 in hotel costs.
The outlet claims these aren't isolated incidents — that Xaud has been routing federation funds toward travel for family members, friends, and other women at sporting events since taking over as CBF president.
The federation's response was swift and categorical. In a statement to Radio Itatiaia, the CBF said all expenses "are exclusively linked to the CBF's institutional activities" and that the administration is "based on the pillars of transparency, administrative responsibility, and a commitment to integrity."
Xaud reportedly paid for the New York hotel charges personally after Portal Leo Dias contacted him — though whether he reimbursed the federation for the Qatar trip or the associated flights remains unanswered.
The distraction Brazil didn't need
The timing is genuinely damaging. Brazil are at a World Cup on home soil in terms of continental expectations, carrying the weight of a nation that hasn't won the tournament since 2002. The last thing the Seleção needs is their governing body's president temporarily stepping away from the team's New Jersey training base because of a financial scandal.
And yet, step away he reportedly did — before returning to watch Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti from a luxury suite alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and several Brazilian football legends. Business as usual, apparently.
Neither Xaud, his wife, Barcellos, nor the CBF responded to comment requests from the New York Post. Andrade could not be reached.
