BRAZIL
Why could Brazil be banned from playing in the World Cup by FIFA?
Brazilian representatives could also be prevented from taking part in the 2024 Copa América and the Copa Libertadores.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is going through turbulent spell following the departure of its president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, with elections to choose his successor coming up. However, FIFA has made it explicitly clear to the CBF that if said elections are held without the approval of FIFA and CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, it will face prosecution and eventual suspension.
Why was Rodrigues removed as CBF president?
Rodrigues was removed from his position on 7 December by a Rio de Janeiro court, which ruled there had been irregularities in his election as president last year. FIFA has historically disapproved of government interference in its member associations and the Brazilian confederation could now face punishment.
What punishments could Brazilian teams face?
In a letter sent to the CBF, FIFA also explained the Brazilian national team, five-time World Cup winners, and clubs could be banned from international competitions. A move which would have a huge impact on the 2024 Copa América, which Brazil are due to take part in, and the Copa Libertadores, which Brazilian clubs are usually among the favourites to win.
FIFA’s letter to the CBF
“As previously informed to the CBF, FIFA and CONMEBOL will send a joint commission to Brazil during the week of January 8 to meet with respective stakeholders, examine the current situation, and work together to find a solution to the current state of affairs regarding the application of CBF rules and its autonomy,” reads the letter sent to the CBF.
“FIFA and CONMEBOL would like to strongly emphasise that, until such mission takes place, no decision affecting CBF, including any elections or call for elections, shall be taken. Should this not be respected, FIFA will have no other option but to submit the matter to its relevant decision-making body for consideration and decision, which might also include a suspension.
“For the sake of good order, we would also like to underline that should the CBF be eventually suspended by the relevant FIFA body, it would lose all of its membership rights with immediate effect and until the suspension is lifted by FIFA. This would also mean that CBF representative and clubs teams would no longer be entitled to take part in any international competition while it is suspended,” it added.
As reported by online Brazilian media outlet UOL, the letter was jointly sent on 24 December by FIFA’s Kenny Jean-Marie and Monserrat Jiménez Granda of CONMEBOL. The reported recipient was the former general secretary of the CBF, Alcino Reis, who had been dismissed along with Rodrigues. The Rio court ruling appointed José Perdiz as an intervener in the new elections, which both FIFA and CONMEBOL feel was inappropriate.
Brazil’s 2024 commitments
In addition to playing in the 2024 Copa América and continuing with qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Brazil are are due to play an “anti-racism” friendly match against Spain in Madrid. The fixture was scheduled in June by Rodriguez and Luis Rubiales of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who has also since been removed from his post.