FIFA to ban Brazil from international games over federation scandal

The International Football Federation (FIFA) has issued a warning to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) regarding potential sanctions, including possible exclusion from international competitions, due to alleged interference in the selection of the organization’s new leader.

FIFA is concerned about the upcoming elections for the presidency of the Brazilian football authority, replacing Ednaldo Rodrigues, scheduled for January 2024. The global football organization deems the decision to be unfounded and threatens to impose sanctions on the confederation, potentially leading to the suspension of the Brazilian national team from participating in international tournaments. “This also means that representatives, teams, and clubs from the CBF will no longer have the right to participate in international competitions while the suspension is in effect,” states an open letter from the global body.

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On December 7, the court in Rio de Janeiro removed Rodrigues from his position at the CBF. FIFA considers this decision a violation of its own charter, which prohibits interference by state authorities.

FIFA plans to send a special delegation to Brazil, arriving on January 8. If the election of the new president of the local federation occurs before then, repercussions for Brazilian football are expected to follow promptly.