Corinthians faced backlash from its women after hiring Alexey “Kuka” Stival as head coach of the men’s team in 1987 following allegations of rape.
Kuka, 59, replaced Fernando Lazaro, who was sacked last week after Corinthians lost 1-0 to Argentinos Juniors in the Copa Libertadores.
Kuka was convicted in absentia by a Swiss court in 1987 and sentenced to 15 months in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a minor while playing for Gremio two years earlier, a sentence he never served because he left the country before being convicted.
Cuca denied any wrongdoing.
Members of the Corinthians women’s team, including coach Arthur Elias, on Sunday issued a joint statement on their social media with the slogan “respect women” to express their disapproval.
Read the statement: “Being in a democratic club means that we can use our voices, sometimes openly, sometimes behind the scenes. ‘Respect young women’ is not just a phrase. It is above all a state of mind and a shared commitment. Corinthians means daily living and rights. to fight for.”
A section of fans gathered outside the club’s headquarters on Friday to express their displeasure.
“I have respect for women. I never touched her,” Kuka said at his unveiling. “I was at another club and I was never questioned. My fault was never defending myself. I didn’t because I didn’t have the money and I didn’t know about it.
“We went to double check and three times, it’s not like I didn’t recognize that I wasn’t there. If the victim says I wasn’t there, I swear to Our Lady of Aparecida, who I love the most. The world. There are protests and that’s fair. . But why should I apologize to the society if I do nothing?”
“I don’t plan to stay home in hiding. I’m innocent and my conscience is clear. I didn’t even know there was a trial. [at that moment]. I came to know about the sentence after a year,” he added.
In February 2021, several Atlético Mineiro fans protested the appointment of Kuka as their manager. He later left the club by mutual consent in November.
Since starting his coaching career in 1998, he has previously spent coaching spells at many of Brazil’s biggest clubs.
Corinthians lost 3-1 to Goias in Sunday’s league game, Kuka’s first game.