Alejandro Mancuso, a former Argentine midfielder and assistant coach, was investigated between 2024 and 2025 by Argentine police over allegations that he ran a scheme selling fraudulent coaching licenses to high-profile football players, according to a report published by UOL. The investigation focused on whether false certificates from the Association of Field Football Technicians of Argentina (ATFA) were issued to athletes in exchange for payments reaching R$ 100,000, allowing them to bypass years of mandatory coursework.
The Investigation into Alleged Diploma Sales
The police inquiry examined claims that Mancuso promised athletes international coaching credentials without requiring them to study. According to UOL, the certificates were offered in four tiers: PRO (international), A (professional), and B and C (youth divisions). Buyers were told the paperwork would arrive by mail within 10 days. The scheme targeted notable figures who played at the highest levels of professional football, promising them a way to skip standard educational requirements.
Athletes Named in the Case and Their Responses
Several prominent players and former athletes were identified as having paid for the service, including Thiago Silva, Roberto Carlos, Felipe Melo, Alex, Paolo Guerrero, Luiz Gustavo, Diego Lugano, Dejan Petkovic, Paulinho, and Roberto Assis, the brother of Ronaldinho Gaúcho, as detailed by Lance! and Veja. Responses varied among the athletes as details of the operation surfaced. Felipe Melo stated that he grew suspicious when mandatory in-person classes were repeatedly postponed by Mancuso, prompting him to demand a refund and remove mentions of the ATFA from his social media profiles. Thiago Silva’s representatives confirmed through Lance! that he paid for courses that were never delivered and that the certificates he received at the end of 2023 were never used. Diego Lugano acknowledged completing the theoretical portion online but confirmed he never finished the required in-person stage.
Leaked Audio Contradicts Mancuso Denial of License Scheme
UOL published audio recordings attributed to Mancuso in which the former player claimed he had secured a direct agreement with the leadership of the Argentine federation to bypass online coursework for veterans of the sport. Fechei com o nosso presidente da federação para que todas essas feras que jogaram futebol tenham um jeito para não fazer esse curso online. Pronto e acabou,
Mancuso stated in one of the audio clips. Despite these recordings, Mancuso denied selling fake licenses or having any formal affiliation with the ATFA, telling interviewers that he merely offered advice to athletes without charging fees. In an interview with journalist Joanna de Assis covered by Veja, Mancuso asserted, Eu nunca fui da ATFA, sou apenas um comentarista de rádio.
ATFA Denies Any Connection to the Certificates
The Argentine coaching association strongly disputed Mancuso’s claims, stating through Secretary-General Salvador A. A. Pasini that all documents distributed through the scheme were entirely fabricated. The organization clarified that Mancuso held no title, contract, or authorization to represent the institution. ATFA representatives explained that legitimate coaching paths require six to 13 months of rigorous coursework with mandatory weekly exams and no exceptions for former professional athletes. A search of ATFA headquarters found no records confirming the issuance of the contested diplomas, and the association announced it reserved the right to pursue legal action for the misuse of its name and authority.
Police Archive Investigation into Irregular Coaching Licenses
The police investigation into the alleged issuance of irregular coaching licenses to foreign players concluded with the case being archived by Argentine authorities due to a lack of evidence. The controversy drew public commentary from figures such as Brazilian broadcaster Craque Neto, who questioned on the program Os Donos da Bola how prominent athletes could claim ignorance when acquiring licenses in a matter of days for R$ 100,000. Contrastingly, coaching instructors like Leonardo Samaja, cited by UOL, emphasized that legitimate ATFA graduates—including high-profile managers like Diego Simeone, Marcelo Gallardo, and Javier Mascherano—must complete every educational tier sequentially without shortcuts, regardless of their playing backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ATFA License Inquiry
What was the cost and timeline for the disputed coaching licenses?
Athletes allegedly paid up to R$ 100,000 to receive licenses—categorized into PRO, A, B, and C levels—delivered by mail within ten days, according to the UOL investigation.
Did the official coaching school recognize the certificates issued by Mancuso?
No. The Association of Field Football Technicians of Argentina (ATFA) stated that all documentation sent to the players was false, that Mancuso had no official tie to the institution, and that legitimate courses require six to 13 months of study without rapid certification options.
What was the final outcome of the police investigation?
The police inquiry, conducted in Argentina between 2024 and 2025, examined allegations of irregular diploma issuance and potential federation involvement, but the case was ultimately archived.
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