Star Metro - Brazilian Cuca appointed Athletico Paranaense boss after sexual assault scandal

Nicknamed "Cuca", 60-year-old Stival was sentenced in Switzerland in 1989, along with two other footballers, to 15 months in prison for participating in the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

The abuse happened on a trip to Bern in 1987 where his then team, Gremio, was playing in a friendly tournament.

He was already back in Brazil at the time of his conviction, and as Brazil does not extradite its nationals, Cuca never served his sentence.

Last April, Corinthians announced the departure of coach Cuca -- who denies the accusations -- just a week after hiring him.

His appointment had caused an outcry among supporters of the Sao Paulo club, but Corinthians said he was leaving "at the request of his family to resolve personal issues."

A court in Bern recently overturned his conviction on a technicality, without ruling on the merits of the case, according to Brazilian press reports in January.

The conviction did not prevent Cuca from enjoying a successful coaching career, notably lifting the Copa Libertadores -- South America's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League -- with Atletico Mineiro in 2013.

Athletico Paranaense said Cuca would be their new boss until the end of the season, replacing Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio.

The announcement came just weeks after former Brazil defender Dani Alves was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for the rape of a young woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.

N.Fournier--SMC