Ronaldo Withdraws from CBF Presidential Race, Cites Lack of Support

Ronaldo has withdrawn from the presidential race for the CBF after lacking support from regional federations. He aimed to restore Brazil’s football prestige but concluded he could not challenge current president Ednaldo Rodrigues due to overwhelming backing he received. The electoral structure and closed doors hindered Ronaldo’s campaign efforts, leading to his withdrawal.

Brazilian football icon Ronaldo has officially withdrawn from the race for president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The 48-year-old, a notable two-time World Cup champion and former Ballon d’Or winner, made the announcement on Wednesday after failing to secure adequate backing from regional federations necessary for his candidacy.

Ronaldo initially expressed his desire to run for the presidency in December, aiming to restore the prestige that Brazilian football had previously enjoyed amid various controversies surrounding CBF leadership. Despite his aspirations, he ultimately realized that he could not compete with the current president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who enjoys overwhelming support.

In his statement, Ronaldo revealed, “On my first contact with the 27 regional federations, I found 23 closed doors. If the majority of decision-makers believe that Brazilian football is in good hands, it doesn’t matter what I think.” He emphasized the lack of open dialogue, noting that the federations remained satisfied with the current administration, thereby stifling his chance to present his vision for the future.

The election structure consists of 27 regional federations, each holding three votes, while Serie A clubs receive two votes and Serie B clubs one vote. As a result, Ronaldo acknowledged, “The statute gives the federations the strongest vote, so it’s clear that there’s no way I can run.” Consequently, Rodrigues is anticipated to be the sole candidate in the upcoming election.

In conclusion, Ronaldo’s withdrawal from the CBF presidential race highlights the challenges faced in garnering support within the established football governance framework in Brazil. Despite his status as a legendary athlete, the predominant backing for the current administration resulted in his inability to contest effectively. This situation underscores the complexities surrounding football leadership in Brazil.

Original Source: www.espn.com