FIFA delivered a stern warning to Brazil on Sunday, threatening potential suspension of its national teams and clubs from international competitions if the country proceeds with an expedited election to replace Ednaldo Rodrigues as president of its soccer body, CBF.
This cautionary message came through a letter addressed to a Brazilian soccer executive, emphasizing the consequences of disregarding FIFA’s call to wait for an appropriate election process.
The missive, obtained by The Associated Press, highlighted FIFA’s historical stance against government and third-party interference in its member associations, putting Brazil’s participation in major competitions at risk until the crisis is resolved.
On December 7, a Rio de Janeiro court removed Rodrigues and his appointees at CBF from office due to irregularities in his election last year. This decision was upheld by Brazil’s highest courts, leading to FIFA’s intervention. The Rio court appointed José Perdiz, the head of Brazil’s top sports court, to organize new elections for the presidency within 30 working days, a move FIFA considers undue.
The warning letter, jointly signed by FIFA’s Kenny Jean-Marie and CONMEBOL’s deputy secretary-general, Monserrat Jiménez Garcia, outlined the potential suspension of CBF, its representative, and club teams from international competitions if a swift and unapproved election proceeds.
FIFA and CONMEBOL plan to form a commission to discuss the matter in Brazil on January 8. The letter underlined that no decisions affecting CBF, including elections or calls for elections, should be made until this mission takes place. Failure to adhere to this directive may prompt FIFA to submit the matter to its decision-making body, potentially resulting in suspension.
The document stressed the immediate loss of CBF’s membership rights, meaning its representative and club teams would be ineligible for international competitions during the suspension period.
While FIFA’s letter is seen as a positive sign by intervenor José Perdiz, the situation remains tense. Ednaldo Rodrigues, currently in negotiations with other Brazilian soccer executives, faces uncertainty regarding his bid for the presidency in new elections or support for another candidate.
The ruling against Rodrigues could impact Brazil’s bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup and his plans to hire Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to lead the national team next year.
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