CBF, the football federation of Brazil has demanded that Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa be stripped of his Brazilian citizenship.
The 25 year old striker has caused a lot of controversy in the football world recently after snubbing the advances of his nation to play for his adopted country Spain. And the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has made it clear that it is their intention that the player be stripped of his citizenship of the country and they have also stated that they are aiming to start legal proceedings with both FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport to stop him playing for the world champions.
Costa has already played in two friendly matches for the five time world champions and the hosts of 2014 World Cup earlier in 2013 and now, he has snubbed the chance of playing under Luiz Felipe Scolari to represent Spain, who has jumped at the opportunity of securing the star striker’s services.
Carlos Lopes of the CBF has stated that it is quite obvious that the reason for making his choice was based on finances and he wants Brazil to take strong action against the player. He also added that the chairman of the CBF has authorized him to open a proceeding with the Justice Ministry of the country which will see the player lose his citizenship, something Costa has rejected.
Lopes also sent that he was put under immense pressure to make the decision. He talked about his love for Brazil in a letter sent to CBF and stated that he felt honored to play for the Canaries but that very year, he has decided to play for Spain and has been called up for two friendly matches.
Lopes has also stated that Scolari not try anymore to change the heart of the player.