Ancelotti set for Brazil contract extension

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to be handed a four-year contract extension taking him through to the 2030 World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Thursday.

Italian legend Ancelotti took over as Brazil coach last year and oversaw the five-time world champions’ successful qualification for next month’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 66-year-old former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea coach has been in negotiations with the CBF for months concerning a possible extension to his existing deal.

CBF President Samir Xaud said Thursday he is “certain” Ancelotti’s extension will be officially confirmed “before the World Cup.”

Xaud, speaking at the FutPro Expo conference in Fortaleza, said the CBF and Ancelotti’s legal advisers were working through aspects of the Italian’s new contract.

Ancelotti has repeatedly expressed his willingness to continue in his current role after this year’s World Cup.

He is due to announce his final squad for the tournament on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro before Brazil gather for a World Cup send-off against Panama at the Maracana Stadium on May 31.

The Brazilians will be based in New Jersey during the World Cup, and face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in Group C.