Ronaldo withdraws, Ednaldo Rodrigues elected CBF President

Ronaldo withdraws, Ednaldo Rodrigues elected CBF President

Sports

Ednaldo Rodrigues was elected head of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) for a second term, after his main rival, football great Ronaldo, announced he would withdraw from the race due to a lack of support from local federations.

Rodrigues used a loophole in the CBF statutes to bring the elections forward a year from the planned March 2026 date, taking advantage of Ronaldo's failed bid for leadership, it is reported, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

With all 67 representatives voting for him, it is the first time a CBF president has been elected unanimously.

"Today we celebrate the unprecedented unity that exists today within Brazilian football," Rodrigues said at the CBF assembly, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation.

"Our job is to clean up the image of Brazilian football and I am proud that we are on the right track. Today we are setting an example that things can be done with dialogue and cohesion and we have a great chance to show the world our strength as a host country for the 2027 Women's World Cup."

The Electoral College is made up of 27 regional federations, each divided into three votes, while the 20 Serie A clubs are given two votes each and the 20 second-tier Serie B teams, one vote each.

This system was heavily criticized by Ronaldo.

"It's no coincidence that there has never been a CBF election with more than one candidate," Ronaldo said on Brazilian podcast Charla at the weekend.

"My life is football, I felt it was my duty to try to improve Brazilian football with what I had to offer. I knew it was difficult, but I didn't realize it was impossible. The system doesn't let anyone in."

Rodrigues' new mandate will only take effect from April 2026.

Tags

Related articles

Good Hiking Conditions in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian Red Cross Mountain Rescue Service reports favorable hiking conditions on Wednesday. While snowfall is expected above 2,000 meters, no hiker incidents have been reported in the past 24 hours.
Del Grosso Claims First Pro Win in Türkiye
Dutch cyclist Tibor Del Grosso celebrated his first professional victory on Monday by winning Stage 2 of the 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye in Antalya.
Del Grosso Wins Stage 2 in Türkiye
Tibor Del Grosso of Alpecin-Deceuninck won Stage 2 of the 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye on Monday, taking his first professional victory.
Bulgaria Wins Big at World Calisthenics
Bulgarian athletes claimed eight medals — four gold, three silver, and one bronze — at the World Calisthenics Championships, held in Asics Arena.
Liverpool Crowned Champions
Liverpool secured the Premier League title with four games to spare after a dominant 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield.
Bulgaria Wins Silver and Bronze in Tokyo
Bulgarian athletes won silver and bronze medals at the 2025 Aerobic Gymnastics World Cup in Tokyo on Sunday.