Rodrigues Re-Elected As Brazilian FA President After Ronaldo Withdraws

Ednaldo Rodrigues has been re-elected to serve a second term as head of the Brazilian Football Association (CBF).

His main rival, football legend Ronaldo, withdrew from the race just days prior, citing a lack of support from local federations.

Rodrigues took advantage of a loophole in the CBF statutes to advance the election by a year from its original date of March 2026, following Ronaldo’s withdrawal from the leadership race.

He received unanimous support, with all 67 representatives voting for him.

This marks the first time in CBF history that a president has been elected unanimously.

“Today we celebrate the unparalleled unity that exists within Brazilian football today,” Rodrigues told the CBF assembly on Monday.

“Our work is to clean the image of Brazilian soccer and I’m proud that we are on the right path. Today, we are giving 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 nation of the 2027 Women’s World Cup.”

The poll reaffirmed Rodrigues’ power as he earned all 141 votes available.

The electoral college is comprised of 27 regional federations, each granted three votes, along with 20 top-flight Serie A clubs that receive two votes each. Additionally, the 20 second-tier Serie B clubs are allocated one vote each.

The system was heavily criticized by Ronaldo.

“It’s no coincidence that there has never been a CBF election with more than one candidate,” Ronaldo told Brazilian podcast Charla at the weekend.

“My life is football, I felt a 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 really let anyone in.”

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