Brazil football legend Ronaldo declared that he was stepping out of the contest to be president of his country’s football organization (CBF) on Wednesday after failing to secure enough support from regional federations to present a candidacy.
The 48-year-old, a former Ballon d’Or winner and two-time World Cup champion, revealed his decision to run for the presidency in December in a bid to “recover the prestige and respect that Brazil always had” following years of issues surrounding CBF executives.
However, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker came to the conclusion that he would not be able to fight incumbent president Ednaldo Rodrigues who has the support of practically all the electorate.
“On my initial interaction with the 27 regional federations, I discovered 23 closed doors. If the majority of decision-makers believe that Brazilian football is in good hands, it doesn’t matter what I think,” Ronaldo said in a statement shared on his social media networks.
The federations declined to receive me at their houses, on the grounds of their happiness with the current administration and support for [Rodrigues’] re-election.
“I could not express my concept, ideas, or listen as I would have wished. No dialogue was allowed.
“The statute gives the federations the most votes, so I can’t run. I respect that most local leaders support the incumbent president, despite my beliefs.”
The 27 regional federations receive three votes each, the 20 top-flight Serie A clubs two votes each, and the 20 second-tier Serie B teams one vote each.
Next year’s election is expected to feature Rodrigues alone.
