December 11 – Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo says he would not rule himself out of running for the presidency of his country’s beleaguered federation to restore is battered credibility.
CBF president Marco Polo del Nero last week began a leave of absence just hours after being charged by US authorities with corruption and thrown off the FIFA executive committee. His predecessor, Jose Maria Marin, also caught up in the scandal, has renounced the CBF vice presidency after being extradited to the US while ex-FIFA bigwig Ricardo Teixeira, who ran Brazilian football from 1989 to 2012, has also been charged.
At a press conference in Sao Paulo, Ronaldo accused Del Nero of seeking to maintain a “corrupt system” by nominating confidant Antonio Nunes to replace Marin at a December 16 election.
“I could be a candidate,” Ronaldo said. “We have to dismantle the existing corrupt system, which currently does not allow the entry of (outsiders). There is always a recommendation made from somebody within the CBF.”
Meanwhile another Brazilian great Romario says Del Nero has agreed to appear before the country’s own parliamentary investigation next Wednesday – the same day as the election for CFB president.
A spokesman for Romario said Del Nero, “has given a commitment that he will appear before the Senate next Wednesday”.
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