15.06.2026 18:10
Striking confessions have emerged in the physiotherapist scandal involving the Brazilian Women's Volleyball Team. Female volleyball player Samara Rodrigues detailed the betrayal and blackmail they endured.
The details of the physiotherapist scandal that shook the sports world in the Brazilian Women's National Volleyball Team have come to light.
REMOVED FROM THE DELEGATION AFTER FRAUD ALLEGATIONS
Fernandinho, the team's longtime physiotherapist, who is accused of defrauding and blackmailing numerous people, including national athletes, was removed from the delegation for the Nations League (VNL) Ankara stage by the federation after the scandal broke out.
STRIKING CONFESSIONS FROM SAMARA RODRIGUES
Famous Brazilian volleyball player Samara Rodrigues described the betrayal and blackmail process in all its details in a striking interview with the Brazilian press.
"THE FEDERATION STALLED US, FERNANDINHO PRESSURED THE VICTIMS"
Rodrigues, who stated that she first brought the issue to the national team head coach Ze Roberto and the Brazilian Volleyball Federation, said she saw it as a duty to inform the institutions before the legal process. However, the volleyball player, expressing that the federation asked them to wait until the VNL Brazil stage, said, "Unfortunately, we received no feedback during this process. The time the federation cost us created an opportunity for Fernandinho to contact other victims, offer different 'settlement proposals,' and put them under pressure. That's why I could no longer stay silent."
"HE STOLE YEARS OF SAVINGS, DESTROYED MY FAMILY'S DREAMS"
Rodrigues, who mentioned she had a very close friendship with Fernandinho and saw him as a brother, described the magnitude of the betrayal she suffered with these words: "I always trusted him greatly; he was a good professional. But he knew where I came from, all my pains, and what great sacrifices I made to offer my family a better life. Despite all this closeness, he stabbed my family's dream of owning a home in the back, taking all the money I had saved for years. I tried to resolve the situation through other means, but he left me no choice."
200 THOUSAND REALS VANISHED WITH A FAKE INVESTMENT
Touching on the method of fraud, Rodrigues stated that 6 years ago, she told Fernandinho she had 200 thousand Brazilian Reals set aside. She explained that the physiotherapist took this money from her with the promise of "an investment that would guarantee returns," but in reality, such an investment never existed. The volleyball player, who said she asked for her money back in September 2024 but could not receive any documents or transfer receipts, expressed her victimization, saying, "There was no failed investment; he took my money directly and spent it for his own interests. Moreover, all the debts and installments of the contract I signed were left on me."
NUMBER OF VICTIMS EXCEEDS 12
The famous athlete, emphasizing that she was not the only one harmed by this fraud network, stated that there are more than 12 victims, including both male and female volleyball players, even prominent stars of the national team. Rodrigues, who said she respects athletes who do not want to expose themselves, expressed, "I could not allow future generations to be victimized by this man. This was a matter of character and conscience for me. Someone had to stop him."
BLACKMAIL AND INTIMIDATION POLICY THROUGH TREATMENT FEES
Rodrigues also added that when she started asking for her money back, Fernandinho tried to intimidate her, pressuring her by citing past treatments he had provided, using the excuse that "he hadn't charged fees." Rodrigues revealed the blackmail, stating that the treatment processes had nothing to do with the debt and that she never refused payment.
"HE'S PLAYING THE GOOD GUY"
The volleyball player, stating that Fernandinho has committed similar crimes in the past, revealed that he took 50 thousand Reals from another woman in 2010 and, to avoid legal trouble, started paying off this debt 16 years later with monthly installments of 500 Reals. Rodrigues emphasized that she will continue her legal fight to the end, saying, "By paying with ridiculous installments after 16 years, he tries to appear like a person of good character. His only goal is to play the good guy to avoid legal punishment. This matter is now entirely in the hands of the police."