On Thursday, a court in Rio de Janeiro issued a ruling suspending CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues and the entire federation board, citing allegations of document forgery related to Rodrigues’ 2025 contract. The decision effectively removes Rodrigues from his position and orders new elections for the federation’s leadership.

Judge Gabriel de Oliveira Zefiro declared the contract null and void after evidence showed that one of the signatories, former CBF vice-president Antonio Carlos Nunes de Lima, was mentally unfit to sign the document.

The ruling stated that Nunes de Lima either signed without full understanding or that his signature was forged, leading to the suspension of Rodrigues and his board. Fernando Sarney, a vice-president of the CBF and son of former Brazilian president José Sarney, has been appointed interim president to oversee new elections.

Impact on Ancelotti’s arrival and Brazil’s World Cup campaign

The Italian coach is set to officially take charge of the national team later this month, tasked with steering Brazil through crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June against Ecuador and Paraguay. Brazil currently sits fourth in the South American qualifying standings, facing pressure to secure their spot in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Rodrigues had been a key figure in negotiating Ancelotti’s appointment, praising him as the “greatest coach in history.” The federation had hoped Ancelotti’s arrival would bring stability and success amid recent setbacks, including Brazil’s early exit from the Copa América and struggles in qualifying.

Now, with the president suspended and new elections looming, uncertainty clouds the federation’s leadership at a critical juncture. Ancelotti has already confirmed that his plan remains the same, and he will be joining Brazil despite possible leadership changes.

What lies ahead for Brazil and Ancelotti?

With Fernando Sarney stepping in as interim president, the CBF must organize new elections “as soon as possible,” according to Sarney. Meanwhile, Ancelotti faces the challenge of starting his tenure amid organizational upheaval and uncertainty within Brazilian football.

This crisis represents the first major hurdle in Ancelotti’s tenure as Brazil coach, complicating efforts to unify the team and focus on on-field performance.