Just days after the exciting announcement of Carlo Ancelotti as the new Brazil national team manager, the Brazilian football world has been thrown into turmoil. A Rio de Janeiro court issued a stunning ruling on Thursday, ordering the entire board of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to be removed from their positions. This includes President Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was re-elected just this past March.
The interim president, Fernando Sarney, one of the CBF’s vice-presidents, has been appointed to oversee new elections as quickly as possible. This marks the second time Rodrigues has been ousted from his position. The legal battle centers around allegations of forgery concerning a contract signed by former CBF president Antonio Carlos Nunes de Lima. This contract essentially secured Rodrigues’s presidency until 2030.
Judge Gabriel de Oliveira Zefiro’s decision highlights concerns about Nunes de Lima’s mental capacity since his 2018 brain cancer diagnosis, casting doubt on the validity of his signature. The judge declared the agreement void due to potential forgery and the former president’s incapacity, directly leading to the dismissal of the current CBF administration.
This isn’t the first time the CBF has faced legal challenges. Rodrigues was previously removed in December 2023 due to a dispute over the electoral process, only to be reinstated a month later by Brazilian Justice Minister Gilmar Mendes. The reinstatement was partly motivated by concerns that FIFA might ban the Brazilian national team. Despite the previous upheaval, FIFA opted not to impose sanctions after Rodrigues’ return, citing its policy against government interference in football affairs. The CBF has yet to issue an official statement on this latest development.
The timing of this court decision, so close to the high-profile Ancelotti appointment, adds a significant layer of complexity to the already turbulent situation. It remains to be seen how this will impact the team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and the future leadership of Brazilian football itself. The upcoming elections will be crucial in determining the stability and direction of the CBF in the coming years.
