Ednaldo Rodrigues Unanimously Re-Elected as CBF President Amid Controversy

Ednaldo Rodrigues secured a second term as CBF president after Ronaldo withdrew from the race due to a lack of support. Rodrigues capitalized on a procedural loophole, earning unanimous support. His win was met with criticism about electoral fairness and its impact on Brazilian soccer's governance.

In a surprising turn of events, Ednaldo Rodrigues was unanimously re-elected as the president of the Brazilian football association (CBF), securing all 141 votes possible. This decisive victory followed the withdrawal of his main rival, the football legend Ronaldo, who stepped aside citing inadequate support from local federations.

Rodrigues, taking advantage of a loophole in the CBF statutes, moved the election a year forward, seizing the opportunity left open by Ronaldo's abandoned campaign. His strategy was endorsed overwhelmingly, marking a rare instance of unanimous backing for a CBF president.

Despite the electoral victory, Rodrigues' re-election has drawn criticism. Ronaldo criticized the voting system, citing it as a barrier to change within Brazilian soccer. With Rodrigues' new term set to commence in April 2026, the discussion on governance and reform remains highly relevant as Brazil prepares to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.

(With inputs from agencies.)