The CBF is set to elect a new president on May 25, before introducing Carlo Ancelotti as the national coach. Sarney, the caretaker president, oversees the elections following Rodrigues’ removal by a judge. Ancelotti’s arrival in Brazil and the stability of CBF amid legal disputes add complexity.
SAO PAULO (AP) — The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is gearing up to elect a new president just ahead of unveiling Carlo Ancelotti as the national team’s new coach. Vice president Fernando Sarney, appointed as caretaker after Ednaldo Rodrigues was removed, announced elections will occur on May 25, coinciding with the closing day of Spain’s La Liga.
Under Rodrigues, Ancelotti was scheduled to come to Brazil the day after the elections to present his team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June. Although Ancelotti confirmed his switch to Brazil after La Liga wraps up, the exact date of his arrival remains unclear.
The upcoming CBF election will also feature eight vice presidential positions, adding to the importance of this event. “The management of the electoral process will be under the responsibility of an independent electoral commission,” stated Sarney.
Rodrigues was recently ousted by Rio-based judge Gabriel de Oliveira Zefiro, who ordered new elections to occur “as soon as possible.” The former president is currently appealing to Brazil’s Supreme Court to maintain his position, after first being elected in March to remain until 2030.
Sarney, the newly appointed caretaker president, will oversee the organization of these elections, having previously asked the court to unseat Rodrigues. Zefiro ruled the previous agreement that allowed Rodrigues to run for a second term was invalid, raising additional questions about his eligibility.
Speaking to TV Globo, Sarney confirmed he would not interfere with the arrangements made for Ancelotti. This is not Rodrigues’ first experience with judicial issues; he faced a similar court ruling in December 2023, though the Supreme Court restored him to office shortly thereafter.
Due to earlier legal complications, CBF vice presidents agreed in January to legitimize Rodrigues’ first term, which then cleared the path for him to seek re-election. However, Zefiro supported Sarney’s claims that 86-year-old Antonio Carlos Nunes, one of the signatories to the agreement, lacked the mental fitness to sign it.
A court hearing to assess Nunes’ mental capability was scheduled for the Monday following Ancelotti’s signing, but it faced suspension shortly after. Up to now, Rodrigues has not issued any public comments in response to the turmoil around his presidency.
The Brazilian Football Confederation is moving forward with presidential elections on May 25, just before Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as national coach. After the court’s ruling against Ednaldo Rodrigues, the CBF faces significant changes in leadership and management. Ancelotti’s anticipated confirmation and the new management may usher in a fresh era for Brazilian soccer, but the lingering legal issues also cast uncertainty on the future of the CBF.
Original Source: apnews.com
