FIFA warned Brazil on Sunday (24) that it may suspend the national team and clubs from international competitions if an intervention by its Football Federation (CBF) leads to the election of a new president in January.
FIFA stated in a letter to a Brazilian football executive that the CBF could be suspended if it does not comply with its request to wait and instead holds a quick election to replace Ednaldo Rodrigues as president. The document was obtained by ESPN and the Associated Press.
A court in Rio de Janeiro removed Rodrigues and all his appointees from their positions at the CBF on December 7 due to irregularities in their election. Brazil’s two highest courts upheld this decision.
The ruling against 69-year-old Rodrigues could jeopardize Brazil’s bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and its pursuit of hiring Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to lead the national team next year.
Historically, FIFA rejects governmental and third-party interference in its member federations, which could ultimately leave Brazil, a five-time World Cup winner, out of major competitions until the crisis is resolved.
The Rio court’s decision also appointed José Perdiz, head of Brazil’s main sports court, as an intervener to organize new presidential elections within 30 business days. FIFA has previously stated in letters to the CBF that it considers the intervention improper.
The Sunday letter was signed by Kenny Jean-Marie of FIFA, director of its member associations, and by CONMEBOL’s vice-secretary-general, Monserrat Jiménez Garcia.
FIFA and CONMEBOL, the South American football governing body, also stated in the letter that they will form a commission to discuss the matter in Brazil on January 8.
“FIFA and CONMEBOL would like to strongly emphasize that until such a mission is carried out, no decision affecting the CBF, including any elections or calls for elections, should be made. If this is not respected, FIFA will have no choice but to submit the matter for consideration and decision by its directors, which may also include a suspension,” the letter stated.
“As a matter of order, we would also like to emphasize that if the CBF were to be eventually suspended by FIFA’s competent body, it would lose all its membership rights with immediate effect and until the suspension is lifted by FIFA.
Perdiz stated in a statement that he views FIFA’s letter “as a positive sign.” He added that he will “call for elections within the established timeframe, with the transparency and integrity that are required.”
Source: ESPN