Ronaldo: Brazil legend pulls out of race to be president of country’s football federation
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has withdrawn from the competition and become the president of the country’s football association after discovering his candidacy qualifications.
The 48-year-old, who has been restricted 98 times, is planning to challenge Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).
Rodrigues’ term will last until March 2026, and the presidential election must be held within the next 12 months.
Ronaldo has promised “Restore reputation” The national team announced his original intention.
Brazil was the five-time World Cup champion, winning the last time in 2002 and reaching the semi-finals in 2014.
However, the former Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid strikers decided to withdraw as most of Brazil’s regional leagues “support the current president.”
“I found 23 shutdowns during my first contact with 27 regional federations,” Ronaldo said in a statement on his social media channels.
“The Federation refused to host me at their homes on the grounds of satisfaction with the current government and support for (Rodriguez’s) reelection.”
Brazil’s 27 regional federations allocated 3 votes, while Brazil’s 20 top clubs in Serie A each have two votes and a 20 second second vote, each with one vote.
Ronaldo said he “respects” the right of federal leaders to maintain support for Rodriguez, but was disappointed with “no openness to dialogue.”
He added: “The regulation provides the strongest vote for the federal government, so it’s clear that I can’t run.”
“I can’t introduce my projects, come up with my ideas, and listen to them as I wish.”
Rodriguez is now expected to be the only candidate for next year’s election.
Ronaldo, the World Cup champion in 1994 and 2002, ranked second in the game, behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose, with 15 goals in 19 games.
His international career spans 17 years, including two Copa America champions and Olympic bronze medals.
Brazil has won the Copa America since Ronaldo retired in 2011 and was beaten by Croatia’s quarter-finals in the 2022 World Cup.
