FIFA threatens to suspend Brazil
World soccer governing body FIFA has issued a warning to Brazil’s football federation (CBF), threatening to suspend the country’s national teams and clubs from international competitions.
The threat comes amid a leadership dispute within the CBF that arose after a Rio de Janeiro court removed Ednaldo Rodrigues from the position of president due to irregularities in his election last year.
The court ruling, upheld by Brazil’s highest courts, mandated new elections for the CBF presidency to be organized within 30 working days, appointing José Perdiz as an intervener.
However, FIFA has expressed concern over what it perceives as undue interference in the affairs of its member associations.
In a letter signed by FIFA’s Kenny Jean-Marie and CONMEBOL’s Monserrat Jiménez Garcia, the organizations emphasized the need for the CBF to wait for a commission to discuss the matter in Brazil on January 8 before holding any elections or making decisions affecting the federation.
FIFA warned that failure to comply could result in the suspension of the CBF, leading to the exclusion of Brazil’s representative and club teams from international competitions.
The letter stated, “For the sake of good order, we would also like to underline that should CBF be eventually suspended by the relevant FIFA body, it would lose all of its membership rights with immediate effect and until the suspension is lifted by FIFA.”
FIFA historically opposes government and third-party interference in its member associations, and the threat of suspension reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining autonomy within national football bodies.
The dispute could impact Brazil’s bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and influence the hiring of a national team coach, such as Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti.
The situation is expected to unfold further during the commission meeting in January, with FIFA and CONMEBOL closely monitoring developments in Brazil’s football leadership.
