Brazilian Football in Turmoil as CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues Suspended by Court

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has been plunged into fresh turmoil after a court in Rio de Janeiro suspended its president Ednaldo Rodrigues and several board members on 15 May, citing “internal disputes and suspicions of misconduct.”

The ruling, first reported by ESPN, marks a significant escalation in tensions within the CBF, just days after high-profile efforts to stabilize the organization — including the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach of the Brazilian national team.

Forgery Allegations and Power Struggles

The decision comes amid mounting concerns over the legitimacy of Rodrigues' re-election in March. According to reports from earlier this month, the reappointment may have involved a forged signature from CBF vice-president Antonio Carlos Nunes de Lima, raising legal and ethical questions around the voting process.

In response, the court moved swiftly to suspend the sitting leadership, pending further investigation.

New Interim President Appointed

Fernando Sarney, the vice-president who had previously called for Rodrigues’ resignation, has been named interim president. He has been tasked with organizing new elections “as soon as possible” to restore governance and credibility to the federation.

The court’s ruling signals the start of another turbulent chapter in the CBF, which has faced repeated scandals and leadership disputes in recent years.

Timing Raises Eyebrows

Intriguingly, the suspension comes just three days after the official confirmation of Carlo Ancelotti as the next Brazil head coach — a move intended to usher in a new era for the national team.

With executive leadership now in question, and new elections looming, Brazil’s footballing institutions once again find themselves under scrutiny — off the pitch, just as much as on it.