In the coaching corridors of South American football, where former internationals often move quickly from the pitch to the dugout, an investigation has raised serious questions over the route taken by a group of high-profile names. Brazilian journalist Joanna de Assis presented evidence of an alleged market for fraudulent coaching credentials said to carry the name of Argentina’s football coaches’ association, ATFA.
An alleged fast-track route to the bench
The inquiry centres on Alejandro Mancuso, the former Argentina international, who is accused of acting as an intermediary for coaching licences at levels C, B, A and PRO. The alleged arrangement offered certificates without the usual training programme, in-person examinations or classroom attendance.
- The reported price for each document was about US$20,000.
- Certificates were allegedly promised within roughly 10 days.
- The scheme purported to provide qualifications across every step of the coaching pathway, including the top-level PRO licence.
Among those named in the investigation are Brazilian figures Roberto Carlos, Thiago Silva, Felipe Melo, Alex de Souza, Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho. Peru forward Paolo Guerrero and former Uruguay captain Diego Lugano were also included among the continental football personalities cited.
ATFA rejects Mancuso link and declares documents invalid
ATFA responded by distancing itself from Mancuso, stating that he holds no official role within the organisation and has no authority to act in its name. The association said that diplomas arranged through the alleged channel have no validity and are false.
The body also underlined that coaching accreditation cannot be obtained through an accelerated private transaction. Its recognised route requires a staged progression through education programmes, academic assessments and supervised practical work before a coach can reach PRO level.
The stakes beyond one set of certificates
The allegations strike at a sensitive part of the game’s post-playing landscape. For former stars across Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru, a coaching licence can be the formal bridge to technical roles at clubs and national-team structures. ATFA’s response makes clear that any qualification outside its approved process will not be recognised, leaving the named credentials at the centre of the controversy without institutional standing.
