Teixeira future uncertain as he resumes top roles in Brazil

By Andrew Warshaw

February 19 – The future of corruption-tainted FIFA powerbroker Ricardo Teixeira appears ever more uncertain after the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) announced he was to remain in his post as its President despite widespread reports that he was about to step down under mounting pressure.

The CBF said in a brief statement that Teixeira would be back to work as scheduled after the annual Carnival holiday ends – and that he would also retain his position as head of the 2014 World Cup Organising Committee.

“President Ricardo Teixeira will resume his scheduled work activities at CBF after Carnival,” the one-line statement said.

Rumours of a possible resignation intensified following a published report linking Teixeira to a company being investigated for over-charging for a Brazil-Portugal friendly four years ago.

It was the latest in a series of accusations against Teixeira in his 23-year rule of Brazilian football and the national team.

He has always denied any wrongdoing and has never been convicted.

Former Brazilian World Cup star Romario (pictured above with Teixeira), now a Congressman, has been among those urging Teixeira to step down to prevent the already delayed World Cup preparations from being further undermined.

Although one of FIFA’s most influential executives, controversy has never been far from Teixeira’s side.

He is one of those accused of taking kickbacks from former FIFA marketing partner ISL in the 1990s.

Eagerly awaited publication of documents identifying Teixeira and others has been repeatedly delayed because of legal interventions.

At home, the increasingly unpopular Teixeira, who has had a long running dispute with national hero Pele, has been subject of a fraud squad investigation into allegations of money laundering.

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