By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – The new head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), José Maria Marin (pictured), has dampened hopes of a fresh beginning for his country’s much-maligned administration by insisting he will not resort to wholesale changes following the resignation of Ricardo Teixeira.
In typically diplomatic style, Marin refused to badmouth his predecessor, instead suggesting Teixeira should be praised for “stupendous” work after 23 years at the helm, highlighted by Brazil being awarded the 2014 World Cup for the first time in over half a century.
“His administration was a model to be followed,” said Marin, who also takes over as head of Brazil 2014.
“Brazilian football is respected around the world because of his work.
“Our President turned the dreams of millions of Brazilians into reality.”
Marin also praised one-time FIFA President João Havelange, Teixeira’s former father-in-law, who resigned from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) late last year while facing a possible suspension for allegedly taking kickbacks from FIFA’s former marketing partner ISL in the 1990s.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has promised to release documents that allegedly implicate both men in the ISL case, but publication has been repeatedly delayed because of legal interventions.
Yet Marin had only praise for both Teixeira and Havelange.
“I’m still grateful and I respect these people,” he said.
“I’m thankful for both of them.
“They contributed to Brazilian football and to world football.
“FIFA is what it is because of Havelange.”
He also gave a less than encouraging assessment of how preparations for the World Cup, hit by constant delays and foot-dragging, will be stepped up under his command, merely saying he would be “open to dialogue” to make sure everything stays on track.
“The Brazilian federation has to show that it is working to help Brazil host a great World Cup,” Marin said.
Teixeira, who stepped down citing health reasons, has been plagued with corruption allegations and Marin too attracted unwanted headlines when he was captured on television putting a winner’s medal in his pocket in a local under-18 championship earlier this year.
He was never accused of any wrongdoing by organisers and insists the whole episode was a “joke”.
“It was a courtesy I received from the [local] federation, in front of everybody,” Marin insisted.
Nevertheless, at 79-years-old Marin’s elevation as Teixeira’s successor has not been universally welcomed, with many observers viewing him as part of the Teixeira dynasty, a chip off the old block rather than a much needed injection of transparency and credibility.
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