Chelsea interest in Filipe Luís hit by rules issue – QPR, Middlesbrough, Watford still in there
Chelsea’s previous interest in Filipe Luís may have gone further than initially understood, with licensing issues emerging as a major obstacle behind the scenes.
The Brazilian coach remains without a club after leaving Flamengo earlier this year, but his focus continues to be firmly on Europe.
Sport Witness has already revealed that Championship clubs QPR, Middlesbrough and Watford made contact with his camp, while Chelsea have also revisited his name following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal.
Now, new reporting from To Criticism adds another important layer to the situation.
According to the Brazilian outlet, Filipe Luís is working urgently to obtain his UEFA Pro Licence as quickly as possible in order to coach in England and elsewhere in Europe. The lack of that qualification is currently blocking any immediate appointment as a head coach.
Licence issue becoming central
The report explains that Filipe Luís and his staff are trying to accelerate the process through legal and administrative channels.
Contacts have reportedly been made with the Brazilian FA in an attempt to validate his previous coaching experience and speed up approval.
Without the UEFA Pro Licence, Filipe Luís can still work in Europe as part of a coaching staff. However, he cannot officially take charge as first-team manager in most major leagues.
That detail is particularly relevant in Chelsea’s case.
According to A Crítica, the London club closely monitored his work at Flamengo and seriously considered appointing him. However, legal and regulatory issues linked to his coaching licence prevented the move from progressing further.
England still a realistic destination
Filipe Luís built one of the strongest managerial records in South American football during his short spell at Flamengo.
Across 101 matches, he maintained a win percentage close to 70%. His side scored more than 180 goals during that run, averaging over 1.8 goals per game. He also won five major trophies in quick succession.
Now despite the licensing complication, England continues to look like a realistic next destination.
While Middlesbrough, Watford and QPR remain attentive to the situation, Chelsea’s admiration has not disappeared either.
For now, though, Filipe Luís’ next move may depend less on interest and more on paperwork.
