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Romario, 51, now a senator who has led
congressional investigations into corruption in Brazilian
soccer, announced his intentions four days after CBF President
Marco Polo del Nero was suspended for 90 days by soccer world
body FIFA.
Del Nero is being investigated in Brazil for alleged unethical
conduct. He and his two predecessors, Ricardo Teixeira and José
Maria Marin, have been charged in the United States in the
biggest corruption scandal in soccer's history.
"No one has fought so vigorously against that gang than me, and
so I am a legitimate candidate," Romario said on Instagram. "I
have the qualifications for the job. My credentials are my whole
contribution to soccer, on and off the field."
He blamed former FIFA President Joao Havelange, who died last
year, for installing a "system" of graft in Brazilian soccer and
beyond.
Romario called for the prosecution of Marin, Teixeira and del
Nero at the end of a congressional inquiry he led last year into
corruption in Brazilian soccer.
Romario helped Brazil win a record fourth World Cup title in
1994 in the United States.
His popularity won him a seat as a congressman and then senator
for his home state of Rio de Janeiro. He has said he plans to
run for governor of Rio to reform the financially bankrupt
state.
(Reporting by Tatiana Ramil; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing
by Leslie Adler)
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