Brazil Soccer to Elect Leader Ahead of Ancelotti’s Arrival

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    SAO PAULO — The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is set to appoint a new president just before Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid takes the reins as the coach of the national team. This decision comes after a recent change in CBF leadership, with Fernando Sarney, the vice president, stepping in as interim president after Ednaldo Rodrigues was ousted. Sarney announced on Friday that the presidential vote will occur on May 25, coinciding with the final matches of the Spanish football league.

    Under Rodrigues’ leadership, it was expected that Ancelotti would reveal his lineup for the World Cup qualification matches against Ecuador and Paraguay on the day after his arrival at the CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Although Ancelotti confirmed his new role with Brazil following the conclusion of La Liga, the specifics of his arrival remain uncertain.

    In a bid to halt the presidential election, Rodrigues filed a motion with Brazil’s Supreme Court, citing potential sanctions from FIFA over alleged undue influence. His legal representatives argue that a new president should only be selected through a general assembly of the soccer federation. The forthcoming CBF election will also include the selection of eight vice presidents.

    “The responsibility for overseeing the electoral process will rest with an independent electoral commission,” Sarney stated. Rodrigues was removed by the Rio-based judge Gabriel de Oliveira Zefiro on Thursday, who instructed that a new election be conducted “as soon as possible.” In response, Rodrigues is appealing to the Supreme Court to reclaim his presidency.

    Earlier this week, Rodrigues announced Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil’s head coach, following his re-election in March, which had extended his term until 2030. Judge Zefiro appointed Sarney to oversee the new elections after declaring that the agreement which validated Rodrigues’ first term was void, thereby disqualifying him from pursuing a second term.

    In a statement to TV Globo, Sarney assured that the arrangement with Ancelotti would remain unaffected. This marks the second instance of Rodrigues’ judicially mandated removal, following a similar development in December 2023; however, that decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

    Amidst the earlier legal drama, CBF vice presidents had reached a consensus in January to legitimize Rodrigues’ initial term, permitting him to vie for a consecutive term. Nevertheless, Judge Zefiro sided with Sarney, who argued the invalidity of the endorsement by 86-year-old Antonio Carlos Nunes, citing concerns over his mental competency. The court scheduled a hearing to assess Nunes’ mental state for Monday, though the session was postponed shortly after signing Ancelotti.

    Rodrigues has not released any public statements regarding these developments.