Lucas Piccinato criticises FIFA after Corinthians allege spying before Arsenal final | OneFootball

Lucas Piccinato criticised FIFA after Corinthians lodged a complaint alleging spying during their last training session at Barnet FC before the Copa das Campeãs final against Arsenal.

Speaking after the defeat, and according to Meu Timao, the head coach said his staff had sought full privacy for the session and were unsettled by people linked to the opponents at the site.

He said the team trained at the same centre used by Arsenal’s women’s academy and that felt unusual before facing the club. Staff noticed academy players and coaching staff observing part of the workout, prompting the formal complaint.

Piccinato added that Corinthians had practised penalties and warned that even an academy observer could photograph tendencies and compromise a potential shootout. He said a process was opened with FIFA and he did not know what followed.

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers downplayed the case, describing it as an unfortunate overlap, and said academy players had been watching at The Hive.

Members of the Corinthians delegation also reported seeing people in Arsenal-style uniforms at Barnet, including two individuals at a window on the eve of the final making notes. FIFA will evaluate the material and provide updates in due course.

Corinthians now turn to the Supercopa do Brasil final against Palmeiras at Arena Barueri on Saturday 7 at 16:00.

Source: Meu Timao