Zona de Azar Brasil – Brasil: Ronaldo Withdraws from CBF Presidency Candidacy

Brazil – March 13, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com On Wednesday (12), Ronaldo announced that he will no longer run for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The former player stated on his social media that he tried to engage with the 27 state federations, but 23 of them refused to speak with him.

“The federations refused to receive me, arguing that they were satisfied with the current administration and supported the re-election of the current president, Ednaldo Rodrigues. I was unable to present my project, share my ideas, and listen to them as I had hoped. There was no opportunity for dialogue. The statutes grant the federations the most significant voting power, making it clear that running is not a viable option,” wrote “O Fenômeno.”

At the end of February, the former national team player sent a letter to the CBF, FIFA, CONMEBOL, and the clubs from Brazil’s Série A and B, suggesting changes to the entity’s electoral model. Among the proposals were setting the election date at least a month in advance and involving FIFA and CONMEBOL in monitoring the process. The CBF responded that elections are organized by an independent Electoral Commission, ensuring democratic and transparent procedures.

Recently, the Supreme Federal Court ratified an agreement that upheld the validity of Ednaldo Rodrigues’ election in 2022, guaranteeing his mandate at the CBF until March 2026. Justifying his decision, Ronaldo emphasized the challenges posed by the entity’s current electoral system.

“Most state leaders support the acting president. It is their right, and I respect that, regardless of my personal convictions,” he stated.

The CBF responded to Ronaldo Nazário, defending the transparency of the electoral process. The Confederation highlighted that candidates can appeal to the Electoral Commission regarding any election-related issue and that its statutes were revised and approved in an assembly with the participation of state federations.

Ronaldo’s full statement:

“After publicly expressing my desire to run for the presidency of the CBF in the upcoming election, I now officially withdraw my candidacy. If the majority with decision-making power believes that Brazilian football is in good hands, my opinion is irrelevant.

As I previously stated, my initial steps would have been to give clubs a voice and a greater role, as well as to listen to the federations to improve competitions and develop the sport in their respective states. The necessary change would come from this strategic alignment, strengthened by a shared vision.

However, in my first attempt to reach out to the 27 affiliated federations, I found 23 closed doors. The federations refused to receive me, arguing their satisfaction with the current administration and their support for re-election. I was unable to present my project, share my ideas, and listen to them as I had hoped. There was no opportunity for dialogue.

The statutes grant the federations the most significant voting power, making it clear that running is not a viable option. Most state leaders support the acting president, which is their right, and I respect that, regardless of my personal convictions.

I thank everyone who showed interest in my initiative, and I continue to believe that the path to the evolution of Brazilian football is, above all, through dialogue, transparency, and unity.”

Edited by: @_fonta
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