Corinthians (Brazil) coach sacked after a week over rape case

Challenged by supporters because of a rape case dating back more than thirty years, coach Alexi Stival, known as Cuca, lasted only a week on the bench of the Brazilian club Corinthians, who announced his dismissal THURSDAY. “Cuca left his position at the request of his family, to resolve personal matters. We wish him success in his further career.“, Can we read in a press release published on the official website of the Sao Paulo club.

The 59-year-old coach took over at Corinthians on Thursday after Fernando Lazaro was sacked. He only led the team for two matches, a defeat against Goias (1-3) in the league on Sunday and a match in the round of 16 of the Brazilian Cup against Remo on Wednesday (qualification on penalties).

Sentenced to 15 months in prison in Switzerland

In contention for the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, Corinthians are 2nd in their group behind Argentinos Juniors after two matches. The announcement of Cuca’s recruitment last week sparked outrage among Corinthians supporters, known for their political commitment.

In 1989, when he was a striker for Brazilian team Gremio, Cuca and two other players were sentenced in absentia to 15 months in prison in Switzerland, for “indecent ***ault with violenceagainst a 13-year-old girl. They were in Bern for a friendly tournament in 1987. The conviction took place when they had already returned to Brazil, a country which does not extradite its nationals.

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This scandal did not prevent Cuca from pursuing a career as a coach, notably winning the Copa Libertadores in 2013, with Atlético Mineiro, which had star Ronaldinho in its ranks. In a similar case, Robinho, ex-AC Milan and Real Madrid striker, sentenced in Italy to nine years in prison for gang rape committed in 2013, remains at large in Brazil. Italian justice requested that he serve his sentence in Brazilbut the process could take years.