Rio De Janeiro: Brazilian football team Palmeiras have denied reports that former Brazil and Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari wants to leave the club.

Scolari revealed Monday he intended to quit as coach of the Brazilian first division outfit at the end of the season, Xinhua reports.

"That is not correct. He only said he doesn't know if he will continue. It's a normal comment to make but at this club even the normal comments create controversy," the club said.

Scolari, who coached Brazil to victory at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, has come under heavy criticism after Palmeiras' poor Campeonato Paulista campaign.

The club began the Brazilian championship season Saturday with a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Portuguesa.

Palmeiras will meet Atletico-PR Wednesday for a berth in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. (IANS)