Brazilian football confronts fresh challenges as its leading official is terminated
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Just four days ago, Brazilian football enthusiasts could cheer about the news that Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned Real Madrid coach, would take charge of the national team later this month. But now, a twist has taken the spotlight away from the much-awaited appointment.
The Rio court has raised eyebrows as it casts doubt on the legitimacy of an employment agreement signed by then-CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues in 2025. One of the contract's signatories was alleged to have been mentally incompetent at the time of signing, leading to potential forgery charges.
Consequently, the judge has declared the employment pact between Rodrigues and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) as null and void. The court also mandated new leadership elections for the CBF.
Fernando Jose Sarney, the CBF's interim president, confirmed the federation's intention to abide by the court's ruling and to call elections as soon as possible. However, it was reported that the CBF is also appealing the judge's decision at the Supreme Court – a fact neither the court nor the CBF have confirmed yet.
Rodrigues, Brazil's first Black CBF president, stated before the ruling that he had absolute faith in the document's validity. The 71-year-old was suspended in 2023 due to irregularities in his 2022 election but was reinstated after a Supreme Court ruling in response to FIFA’s threats of sanctions against Brazilian football.
Despite the ongoing legal drama, Rodrigues' bid to bring Ancelotti on board as coach faced challenges earlier. However, Ancelotti, praised by Rodrigues as the "greatest coach in history," was finally named as Selecao's coach on Monday.
In March, Rodrigues was unanimously re-elected to his post until 2030, being the sole remaining candidate after former star forward Ronaldo dropped out of the race. Following the investigation by the Brazilian magazine Piaui into the workings of the CBF, the federation had hoped that Ancelotti's appointment would help put an end to their difficulties.
After Brazil's disappointing 4-1 loss to Argentina in March, the team's previous coach Dorival Junior was let go. The record five-time World Cup winners are now struggling in fourth place in the South American qualifying table for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Allegations of Buying Support
Weeks later, Rodrigues found himself in hot water as Brazilian magazine Piaui reported on the CBF's alleged practice of buying support from regional football federation leaders to secure votes for his election.
Despite these allegations, Rodrigues' employment agreement with the CBF remains valid based on the latest update, as there are no public or reported legal challenges mentioning forgery allegations linked to Rodrigues or the CBF.
© 2025 AFP
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In light of the ongoing legal complications and allegations, the future of international football in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, particularly the South American qualifying tournament, remains uncertain due to the unrest in the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The qualified coach for the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti, faces a challenging environment as Rodrigue's agency contracts and the CBF's leadership are under scrutiny, with potential forgery charges and appeals at the Supreme Court looming.
