Fluminense Football Club beat Bahia 2-0 in a friendly at the Maracanã on July 12, but coach Rogério Ceni left the pitch furious, accusing referee Jodis Nascimento of "being hired to guarantee the result."

What happened in the friendly?

The match started evenly, but at the 23rd minute Erick's goal was ruled out for an alleged foul by Willian José, with the score still 0‑0. Shortly after, Hulk opened the scoring for Fluminense, and Germán Cano sealed the win at the 68th minute. Ceni complained that the referee, from the Rio federation, was not neutral despite his request for an outsider official.

Why does Ceni's criticism matter for Fluminense?

Ceni's outburst puts Fluminense in the spotlight as the club still battles for Serie A positions. Currently, Fluminense sits 5th with 64 points, 19 wins, 7 draws and 12 losses from 38 games, and a recent form of WWWDW. The team has scored 50 goals and conceded 39, holding a +11 goal difference. Being 15 points behind leaders Flamengo adds pressure to improve results.

How can refereeing affect the season?

Even though the friendly doesn’t count for the table, controversial calls can sway player morale and the coaching staff’s confidence. Ceni suggested the officiating favored Fluminense, yet the club still has crucial fixtures, such as the upcoming match against Red Bull Bragantino in round 19, which could shift the standings.

What’s next for both clubs?

Bahia returns to action on Friday, July 17, hosting Chapecoense in a postponed fourth‑round Brasileirão match. Fluminense will host Red Bull Bragantino the same day, aiming to cement a top‑four spot and close the gap on the leaders. The next round will be decisive for any title hopes.

Note: Referee Jodis Nascimento de Souza has overseen 14 official CBF matches this season, including a Serie A clash between Atlético‑MG and São Paulo in March.