Introduction
A new crisis has hit Brazilian football as a Rio de Janeiro court ordered the dismissal of Ednaldo Rodrigues, head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), over allegations of a forged signature on his 2025 employment contract. This development comes just days after the announcement that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti would take charge of the Brazil national team later this month.
Details of the Dismissal
The court ruling declared Rodrigues’s employment contract null and void, citing that one signatory was mentally unfit to sign, leading to “possible forgery.” Consequently, the judge mandated new leadership elections for the CBF. Rodrigues, who made history as the first black president of the federation, expressed confidence in the contract’s validity during a FIFA meeting prior to the ruling.
Rodrigues has faced legal challenges before, including a temporary suspension in 2023 over election irregularities. FIFA and CONMEBOL strongly opposed external interference in the CBF’s affairs, threatening sanctions that led to Rodrigues’s reinstatement by Brazil’s Supreme Court.
Political Turmoil in Brazilian Football
Despite his troubled tenure, Rodrigues played a pivotal role in bringing Ancelotti to Brazil, praising the Italian coach as the “greatest coach in history.” However, his recent re-election in March until 2030 faced scrutiny after investigations suggested he secured support from regional football leaders through salary boosts.
The ongoing leadership controversy shadows Brazil’s efforts to recover from a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March, which led to the sacking of former coach Dorival Junior. Brazil currently sits fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings for the 2026 tournament.
Looking Ahead
Brazilian football faces a turbulent period, balancing hopes pinned on Ancelotti’s leadership with internal federation instability. The upcoming leadership elections will be critical for stabilizing the sport’s administration ahead of the World Cup campaign.
Stay updated on Brazil’s football developments and Ancelotti’s progress by reading our detailed report on Carlo Ancelotti Named Brazil Coach.