Football administration has a long and varied history of former players in positions of power. For years, UEFA’s masterminds have been the likes of former FA president Zvonimir Boban or disgraced former FA president Michel Platini, and this is no exception in South America.
By many measures, Brazil is the world’s most successful soccer nation, but its governing body, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CFB), is mired in scandal.
Ednaldo Rodriguez is the current president on thin ice. There were accusations of “irregularities” in the 2022 elections, which led to his removal from office by the courts.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodriguez has been removed from office
Although Rodriguez is back in office with a Supreme Court injunction, he may not stay for long.
The presidency is up for election in March 2026, which could be moved up a year due to Rodriguez’s legal issues. Not only that, the 70-year-old will also face the most powerful opponent that Brazilian football may encounter.
Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo has had enough and wants in. The former Brazil striker finished ninth in the World Cup. four four twoOne of the greatest footballers of all time has announced his candidacy and will compete with Rodriguez in a plan to rebuild the prestige of the CBF and Brazilian football.
In an interview this week, Ronaldo nominated himself as the way forward for Brazil.
“Everyone is unhappy” he told Globe. “These administrative scandals, these bans, these are not helping Brazilian football.
“We have to be vigilant and see what happens, what might happen and be prepared for that.”
Rodriguez became CBF vice president in 2018 after 17 years running football in the Bahia region. He served as interim president and was later elected president in a disputed vote in 2022.
Ronaldo’s popularity in Brazil and Brazilian football is undisputed, but whether this will translate into a successful election as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation remains to be seen.
In addition to winning two World Cups, Ronaldo also won the Spanish title with Real Madrid in the 1990s and the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan.
He was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996, 1997 and 2002 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.
