Dunga speaks out against religious services in Brazil national team

The Brazilian coach pointed out that the national team “it is not a place for these kind of manifestation”, and warned that people who get too close to the national team “face repercussions”.

According to Brazil´s code of conduct, distributed to the players by Dunga last year, political and religious manifestation are not allowed during the team's pre-match meetings.

Carlos Dunga, Brazil national team's coach, spoke out against his players for organising what he called an evangelical religious service in Boston during the team's stay at a hotel there for the Selecao's friendly against the United States

The coach talked about this in a press conference, where he revealed the players he has chosen to play the first two games for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Kaká, one of the players who organized the religious service, was not among the chosen by Dunga. The coach denied that Kaká´s beliefs were the reason of his absence.

“WE DID NOT AGREE UPON THE SERVICE”

“We have a room where the players can receive their families or people close to them”, Dunga explained. "The pastor was not part of the team. He was in the area to receive families, but we didn't agree upon that", he added.

At least 10 players participated in the services, which were promoted by Kaká and David Luiz and officiated by Brazilian pastor Guilherme Batista, following Brazil's 4-1 friendly win over the United States.

Dunga insisted that he does not oppose the practice of any religion, but asked the players to practice on the "inside" and not create publicity. "When you want to do good, you don't have to announce it to the entire world", he concluded.