In a dramatic turn of events within the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF), Vice-President Fernando Sarney has formally requested the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) to suspend an agreement that has kept Ednaldo Rodrigues in power as president of the CBF. This request, made on May 7, 2025, is based on serious allegations of forgery concerning the signature of former CBF president Antônio Carlos Nunes de Lima, known as Coronel Nunes.
Sarney, who is one of the signatories of the agreement that upheld Rodrigues’ presidency, argues that the document has lost its legal validity due to the alleged falsification of Nunes' signature. He contends that this signature was crucial in legitimizing the agreement that allowed Rodrigues to remain in office, which he claims was obtained under dubious circumstances.
"Fernando Sarney requests that the STF immediately suspend the effects of the agreement currently challenged due to the simulation of a legal transaction, which is evidenced by robust evidence demonstrating the legal invalidity of the signature of Mr. Antônio Carlos Nunes De Lima," reads a portion of Sarney's petition.
This legal battle has been ongoing since Rodrigues was elected in 2022, with questions surrounding the legitimacy of his election being debated in the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro. Sarney, who has publicly broken with Rodrigues, is in his current term as vice-president until March 2026, but he did not participate in the recent re-election slate that would extend Rodrigues’ term to 2030.
In February 2025, an agreement was reached between CBF leaders and the Federação Mineira de Futebol (FMF), which had previously legitimized Rodrigues' election. However, following recent developments, Sarney's petition has reignited scrutiny over the integrity of that agreement.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, federal deputy Daniela Carneiro (União Brasil-RJ) has also requested the immediate removal of Ednaldo Rodrigues from the CBF presidency. Her petition cites a report that claims Nunes' signature on the agreement was falsified, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Carneiro's allegations are supported by findings indicating that Nunes, who has been in declining health and has previously been diagnosed with cognitive deficits, may not have been in a condition to validly sign the agreement. This situation has prompted Sarney to highlight the potential legal ramifications of the alleged fraud, stating that it not only undermines the agreement but also threatens the integrity of the judicial process.
In his petition, Sarney emphasizes that the alleged fraud was designed to deceive and gain undue advantages against other signatories, ultimately benefiting Rodrigues. He states, "The most serious element is that the signature possibly subject to the fraud was placed on the agreement document not only to deceive and obtain undue advantages against the other signatories but also to frustrate the integrity of the justice system, artificially and spuriously ending an important ongoing demand, directly benefiting Ednaldo Rodrigues Gomes."
This unfolding drama has drawn significant media attention and public interest, particularly given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the implications for Brazilian football governance. The CBF has publicly defended the legitimacy of the agreement, asserting that all actions taken were within legal bounds and that they were conducted with the participation of duly authorized representatives.
In response to the allegations, the CBF issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to transparency and legality, asserting that it had not yet received formal access to the forensic report that has been cited in the allegations. The organization described the media coverage surrounding the issue as premature and sensationalized, suggesting that it serves interests that are not in line with the republic's values.
As the situation develops, the STF is set to review the merits of Sarney's request and the broader implications for the CBF on May 28, 2025. Should the court accept Sarney's request to annul the agreement, it would not only impact Rodrigues' presidency but could also lead to the resignation of the entire elected slate, necessitating the appointment of an interim leader to call new elections.
In the meantime, the Senate's Sports Commission has approved a request to summon Ednaldo Rodrigues for a public hearing to address allegations of irregular conduct and possible conflicts of interest related to the judicial decisions that have kept him in power. This inquiry adds another layer of scrutiny to an already tumultuous chapter in Brazilian football.
Fernando Sarney, the son of former president José Sarney, has a controversial history in Brazilian politics and sports administration. He previously served as a member of FIFA's Executive Committee and has faced investigations related to financial irregularities. His current actions may be seen as part of a broader political maneuvering within the CBF, highlighting the intricate connections between sports governance and political interests in Brazil.
As the CBF navigates this legal quagmire, the future of its leadership remains uncertain. The outcome of the upcoming court proceedings could reshape the landscape of Brazilian football governance for years to come, with significant implications for the sport's integrity and administration.
