Fossati decides not to take Avellino to Brazil due to legal controversies and racism.

Jorge Fossati, coach of the Peruvian National Football Team, has made a difficult but necessary decision by announcing that Sebastián Avellino, his physical trainer, will not travel with the team to Brazil. This measure is due to the recent legal controversies surrounding Avellino, who was convicted in the neighboring country for making racist gestures during a match between Corinthians and Universitario in the Copa Sudamericana. Fossati, in a heartfelt press conference, expressed his sorrow over the situation, emphasizing that the decision was made for the emotional well-being of the squad.

The coach highlighted that Avellino is welcome to return in the future, but Brazilian laws complicate his presence. Fossati mentioned that any complaint, no matter how minor, could lead to Avellino being arrested, creating a tense environment for both the physical trainer and the rest of the team. "With a complaint and without any kind of evidence, that is already sufficient reason for him to be arrested," he explained, revealing the rigidity of the judicial system in Brazil.

The situation has become particularly complex given that Avellino has been under public scrutiny since the conviction was issued in December 2023. Instead of serving a two-year prison sentence, he was fined, and the amount must be donated to a social purpose organization. Additionally, Conmebol suspended him for ten matches, a severe punishment that has raised concerns among team members.

Fossati added that Avellino's absence could have a significant emotional impact on the players, who consider the physical trainer a beloved member of the team. "If something happened to 'Sebas', it would affect the squad because they care for him a lot," the coach commented, highlighting the group's cohesion and respect for their colleague. This issue underscores not only Avellino's importance to the team but also the challenge they face in dealing with situations that go beyond football.

In response to this crisis, Fossati announced that Mario Mendaña, the current physical trainer for the U-20 team, will temporarily take over Avellino's duties. Mendaña will be responsible for preparing the team for their crucial match against Brazil on Tuesday night, a game that promises to be a tough test for the Peruvian players. With an atmosphere of uncertainty and mixed emotions, the challenge will be both physical and psychological.

The match against Brazil, scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Peruvian time, becomes a stage where the national team must show its strength and unity. Avellino's absence will be felt, and the team will need to find a way to perform at their best despite the adverse circumstances. Fossati is confident that the group can overcome this obstacle, underscoring the importance of resilience in sports.

Avellino's situation reflects a broader issue in sports, where actions can have repercussions that extend beyond the playing field. Racism and discrimination are issues that must be addressed with seriousness and responsibility, and although Avellino has been sanctioned, the way his absence is managed also speaks to the need for an environment in which all team members feel safe and supported.

As the match approaches, attention will focus not only on the players' performance but also on how the team handles the pressure and rumors surrounding their physical trainer. Fans and supporters of the national team are aware of the situation and hope that the blanquirroja can move forward in this complicated context.

Fossati's decision highlights the complexity of dynamics within a team and how external factors can influence players' performance and morale. With all this in mind, Peru prepares to face Brazil while hoping that Avellino's situation can somehow be resolved, allowing his return to the team in the near future.