By Victor Kanayo
There are indications that the World Football Governing body, FIFA, might wield the big stick on Brazil following the removal of the President of Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, from his position by a court order from Rio de Janeiro due to alleged irregularities in his election process.
To this end, FIFA has threatened to exclude the CBF and all its clubs from international competitions.
This was contained in a letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Members’ Association Officer Kenny Jean-Marie and CONMEBOL’s Deputy Secretary-General Monserrat Jimenez Garcia.
Strong Worded, Warning Letter
Part of the letter reads, “FIFA member associations must manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from any type of third parties.
“FIFA and CONMEBOL would like to strongly emphasise that, until such mission takes place, no decision affecting CBF, including any elections or call for elections, shall be taken. Should this not be respected, FIFA will have no other option but to submit the matter to its relevant decision-making body for consideration and decision, which might also include a suspension.
“This suspension would mean that Brazilian soccer clubs and national teams would be barred from participating in global soccer events.
“For the sake of good order, we would also like to underline that should CBF be eventually suspended by the relevant FIFA body, it would lose all of its membership rights with immediate effect and until the suspension is lifted by FIFA. This would also mean that CBF representative and clubs teams would no longer be entitled to take part in any international competition while it is suspended.”
Rodrigues Turvy-Tupsy Routes
Rodrigues, who assumed the role of interim president in 2021 following the suspension of his predecessor, is reportedly considering his future in Brazilian soccer governance.
His tenure was originally scheduled to continue until 2026.
The controversy surrounding his removal could negatively impact Brazil’s aspirations to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and its plans to appoint a new head coach for the national soccer team.
FIFA does not tolerate interference of any kind by the government and the trigger for this series of warnings.
