Romario confirms intention to run for Brazil FA presidency to overthrow current chiefs who just want ‘to get rich’ and leave population ‘poor’
Huge number of clubs in South American country are bankrupt and 1994 World Cup hero is determined to make impact
ROMARIO has confirmed he is officially running for presidency of the Brazilian FA after claiming current chiefs only want to "get rich" and leave country's population "poor".
The Samba legend has been a senator in Rio De Janeiro since 2015 — and is now looking to help improve the state of the country's footballing body.
He told magazine : "Seriously, I would love the opportunity to be the president of the Brazilian FA (CBF) and I am fully aware of the difficulties in changing the system.
"I have nothing against the CBF, my problem is with the bad people who are part of the institution and have no interest in improving football."
When questioned on who was responsible for some for the bankruptcy of so many Brazilian clubs, Romario pointed the finger at current chief Marco Polo Del Nero.
While he also laid blame at the feet of predecessors Ricardo Teixeira, who was investigated for his role in a domestic corruption scandal and Jose Maria Main, who was placed under house arrest by the FBI following the Fifa corruption scandal.
Romario also claimed that "the best players don't always get selected for the national team".
And believes that often more marketable stars are chosen for many friendlies.
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Romario was one of the deadliest strikers during his playing career, which spanned from 1985 to 2009, and he won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.
He played in Europe for PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona — and shone for Vasco de Gama as they beat Manchester United in the 2000 Fifa Club World Championship.
The former Samba star is a colourful character who included himself in his list of top five best players ever.
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