Former Brazil Chief Ricardo Teixeira Leaves FIFA Executive Committee

Former Brazilian federation chief and head of 2014 World Cup organising committee, Ricardo Teixeira has resigned from the FIFA executive committee.

Teixeira’s decision was announced by the South American body CONMEBOL, which he represented on the FIFA committee. CONMEBOL published a copy of Teixeira’s brief resignation letter, which was addressed to the regional body’s president Dr Nicolas Leoz.

In the letter, Teixeira thanks Dr Leoz, CONMEBOL executives and the presidents of South American national associations for their support during his term in office.

He cited “personal reasons” for stepping down. Teixeira had been joined on FIFA’s executive committee by fellow South Americans Leoz and Julio Grondona.

Teixeira, 64, resigned last week as head of the Brazilian Football Federation and the 2014 World Cup organising committee on health grounds. He had been in charge of Brazilian football for 23 years but recently came under pressure to resign over allegations of corruption.

In 2001, the Brazilian Congress investigated Teixeira on suspicion of 13 crimes, including tax evasion, money laundering and misleading lawmakers, but no charges were brought. He has also been investigated for allegedly taking kickbacks from a marketing firm that worked closely with FIFA in the 1990s.

He denied all the allegations and has never been convicted of any offence. Teixeira could also point to the highlight of two World Cup victories, in 1994 and 2002.

Teixeira came under fire from within FIFA earlier this month, with secretary general Jerome Valcke expressing concern over the lack of progress on preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA has acknowledged Teixeira’s resignation and called on CONMEBOL to waste no time in naming his replacement on the Executive Committee.

“FIFA has taken note today of CONMEBOL’s announcement that Ricardo Terra Teixeira has resigned as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee,” a statement read.

“As per the FIFA Statutes (art. 30 par. 7), CONMEBOL will now have to decide immediately on the replacement of Ricardo Teixeira as one of their representatives on the FIFA Executive Committee for the remaining period of office.”

by Ismail Uddin

What’s your take on this? Ronaldo has shown a desire to lead the Brazillian Federation, is he the right choice to take the reins from Teixeira? Click here to comment.