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Ronaldo says he could run for president of Brazil federation

Xinhua, December 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo said Friday he would not rule himself out of running for the presidency of his country's beleaguered football federation.

Brazil federation (CBF) president Marco Polo del Nero last week began a leave of absence just hours after being charged by US authorities with corruption.

His predecessor, Jose Maria Marin, has also renounced the CBF vice presidency after being extradited to the US following a separate US justice department indictment in May.

At a press conference in Sao Paulo on Thursday, Ronaldo accused Del Nero of seeking to maintain a "corrupt system" by nominating confidant Antonio Nunes to replace Marin.

A Nunes victory at a December 16 election would pave the way for Nunes to succeed Del Nero, should the latter leave his post permanently.

"I could be a candidate," Ronaldo said. "We have to dismantle the existing corrupt system, which currently does not allow the entry of (outsiders). There is always a recommendation made from somebody within the CBF."

Ronaldo said he did not regret being an official 2014 World Cup ambassador.

"I don't regret it because I represented by country," the three-time Ballon d'Or winner said. "I wasn't paid a salary. Marin and Marco Polo didn't do 5% of what I did and they earned salaries in excess of 100,000 reais (28,000 US dollars)." Endit