Brazilian FA looking to revoke his citizenship.
CBF legal representative Carlos Eugenio Lopes has launched a stinging attack on Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa after his decision to play for Spain.
The 25-year-old has been involved in a tug-of-war between both Spain and Brazil over the past year, with the Spanish FA proving successful after confirmation last night to their Brazilian counterparts.
Costa has since gone on to explain his decision to choose La Roja over the Selecao, but his choice hasn’t gone down well with the Brazilians who have now hit back and condemned both the Spanish approach and Costa’s decision.
“We have no doubt that Diego Costa was tempted. He suffered two hours of Spanish pressure yesterday [Monday] and two hours more in the morning [Tuesday],” Lopes explained to O Globo, according to Football Espana.
“It is obvious that the reason for his choice was financial. The President [of the CBF, Jose Maria Marin], has allowed me to establish proceedings with the Ministry of Justice, calling for the loss of his Brazilian nationality, which Diego Costa disowned on Tuesday.
“The CBF was willing to fight for the player. Legally, our arguments are strong, because friendlies contribute to the FIFA World Rankings.”
Lopes went on to allude to the fact that Brazil’s friendly defeat to Switzerland earlier this year, in which Costa played a part, helped their opponents to a seventh place world ranking.
In turn, they have now qualified as a seed for the World Cup at the expense of Italy and this is another tense point of debate surrounding Costa’s decision to now switch to Spain.
“The President told me that Diego Costa will not be able to join the family of Scolari, as he would contaminate the family, because he is not committed to Brazil.
“Marin has asked me what I thought could be done to avoid, in every possible way, that he plays with Spain.
“From now on, Diego Costa is persona non grata in the national team, and that the players themselves will not welcome him after this episode.”
Costa has been in fine form for his club this season, scoring goals both domestically and in Europe as Diego Simeone’s side continue to establish themselves as a real force.
However, the controversy surrounding his international career looks set to drag on and it remains to be seen whether or not he will play a part in the World Cup next summer.
If he does indeed receive a call-up from Vicente Del Bosque, it is unclear at this stage as to what kind of reception he would receive from the Brazilian people after what they will perceive as him turning his back on them.
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