Brazilian Football Chief Resigns

Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian football confederation for the past 22 years, has resigned. Under pressure in Brazil over the organisation of the 2014 World Cup and at FIFA following a series of corruption allegations, Teixeira’s resignation had been predicted for months. 

However, the decision was reportedly made on grounds of ill-health. Last year Teixeira took temporary leave of absence for diverticulitis, a bowel condition.

Stepping down from the presidency of the CBF and as head of the 2014 World Cup organising committee, Teixeira, 64, said in a letter read out to reporters at the CBF headquarters: ‘I leave the presidency of the CBF definitively with the feeling of having done my duty.’

Teixeira has faced mounting political pressure at home because of construction delays and doubts over Brazil’s practical ability to host the World Cup. 

Last week, FIFA’s general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, sought to extricate himself from a row with the Brazilian government, claiming he was misquoted over comments that the country needed a kick to meet its commitments.

In 2001 the Brazilian congress called on Teixeira and other senior CBF figures to be prosecuted for 13 alleged crimes including tax evasion, money laundering and misleading lawmakers but no charges were brought. 

Last year Lord Triesman, the former chairman of the Football Association, said in parliament that Teixeira had asked him, regarding the vote to host the 2018 World Cup: What can you do for me? 

Teixeira denied the claims and no action was taken.