The soap opera continues for Carlo Ancelotti! Brazil warned they face World Cup expulsion as ousted CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues urges Supreme Court to reinstate him

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is facing a potential ban from international competitions, including the 2026 World Cup, after a Rio de Janeiro court nullified the leadership of its president, Ednaldo Rodrigues. The verdict has not only invalidated Rodrigues’ authority but has also resulted in the dismissal of the entire CBF board of directors. In response, the CBF called the judgment a “direct affront” to the nation’s legal and institutional framework and has appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the decision.

The implications of this legal dispute stretch far beyond internal administration. FIFA has previously expressed its strict stance against political or judicial interference in the operations of its member associations. In 2023, FIFA threatened Brazil with sanctions when Rodrigues was initially suspended over alleged election irregularities. At that time, the Supreme Court intervened and reinstated him, but the warning remains relevant. Now, with his second removal, the possibility of FIFA sanctions has re-emerged. The CBF itself has warned that the ruling could prompt global football authorities to discredit the new leadership, putting Brazil’s participation in international events, including World Cup qualifiers, at serious risk.

FIFA requires member associations to submit their squad lists by May 26 for their upcoming World Cup Qualifying fixtures. Rodrigues has warned that if the governing body does not recognise the new CBF leadership, Brazil’s roster could be deemed invalid, resulting in forfeitures or postponements. The Selecao’s upcoming fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay now hang in the balance, with the CBF warning of immeasurable sporting, diplomatic and financial fallout.

The timing of this crisis is particularly unfortunate given Brazil’s announcement just days earlier of securing Ancelotti’s services. The Real Madrid boss, one of the most decorated managers in European football history, was due to take over on May 26 following the conclusion of his club commitments. However, with Rodrigues ousted and an interim president now in charge, questions loom over whether Ancelotti’s appointment will proceed as planned. Fernando Jose Sarney, who has assumed interim leadership of the CBF, stated that he intends to uphold “existing contracts” and ensure the continuity of the national team’s sporting operations, a nod to preserving Ancelotti’s role. Still, without a stable leadership structure, the Italian's installment remains under threat.