Passarella job under threat at crisis-hit Corinthians

Former Argentina captain Daniel Passarella is in danger of being made the scapegoat at crisis-hit Corinthians and becoming the second coach to be fired at Brazil's richest club in less than two-months.

Two humiliating losses in the space of five days have heaped the pressure on Passarella at a club where the team have so far failed to repay the millions of dollars which have been spent on it.

Corinthians directors spent three hours discussing the coach's future yesterday without reaching a conclusion amid media speculation that the club were negotiating with former Brazil coach Emerson Leao.

Meanwhile, Passarella's name was being mentioned for the vacant job at San Lorenzo in his homeland.

Brazilian media say that one of the main sticking points is a penalty clause which allows Passarella to receive more than $1 million if he is sacked.

Media Sports Investments, the London-based group of investors who have been financing the club's spending spree, and their Iranian-born president Kia Joorabchian are believed to be standing by the Argentine.