Del Nero steps down from FIFA executive committee

Marco Polo Del Nero, head of the Brazilian soccer confederation, gestures during a press conference. (Silvia Izquierdo/AP)

RIO DE JANEIRO — The Brazilian Football Confederation says its president Marco Polo del Nero has stepped down from FIFA’s executive committee and will be replaced by Fernando Sarney.

Del Nero, who will remain as head of the CBF, had missed recent FIFA meetings in Switzerland.

He was not indicted in the FIFA scandal that began snaring top football officials six months ago. But he could be arrested if he travels outside Brazil.

Del Nero has been in Brazil since he fled Zurich in late May when Swiss officials — acting with U.S. authorities — arrested top football officials including former CBF president Jose Maria Marin.

Sarney, a CBF vice-president, is the son of former Brazilian President Jose Sarney.

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