After its sporting misery, football in the country of record world champion Brazil is now apparently sliding into a serious leadership crisis.
A court chamber affiliated with the national justice ministry on Thursday removed Ednaldo Rodrigues as boss of the Brazilian soccer federation CBF over irregularities in his election. New elections must take place within 30 days. A member of the Supreme Court will lead the organization on an interim basis.
The events could plunge the CBF into great difficulties. Because the statutes of the world association FIFA prohibit state bodies from interfering in the affairs of its national member associations, the South Americans are threatened with suspension. In order to prevent this sanction, the CBF has already lodged an objection against the removal of its president.
Brazil’s football is currently plagued by major problems. Since the World Cup exit in Qatar last year, the Selecao no longer has a full-time coach. Current Real coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to take over next year. In qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, the five-time World Cup champion recently suffered three defeats in a row.