Caboclo breaks silence on CBF harassment claim: “I was in the wrong” | OneFootball

The election race for São Paulo’s presidency took on dramatic overtones with the official launch of Rogério Caboclo’s pre-candidacy. The executive, who led the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) between 2019 and 2021, cannot downplay the impact of his name given the reason he was removed from office: allegations of moral and sexual harassment made by a secretary of the entity, including an audio leak by ‘TV Globo’.

The scandal has become the biggest current obstacle for Caboclo in convincing São Paulo supporters that he is, in fact, a viable name to replace Harry Massis if he wins the election, which is expected to take place at the end of this year.

This Wednesday (12), the executive broke his silence on the episode in a wide-ranging interview with the YouTube program ‘Tricolaços’. During the interview, Caboclo addressed in detail the legal behind-the-scenes of the scandal that traumatically ended his time at the helm of Brazilian football’s top governing body. At the same time, he sought to convince São Paulo fans and club advisers that he has the moral and technical qualifications to take charge of the club.

The history of the CBF case and the outcome in court

Rogério Caboclo was removed from the CBF presidency in June 2021 by the Brazilian Football Ethics Commission after complaints presented by employees and directors of the entity. The episode resulted in suspensions that kept him out of football for months.

In the judicial sphere, however, developments took specific turns:

Criminal dismissals: Formal sexual harassment complaints in the regular courts were dismissed by the Federal Regional Court (TRF-2) and by the Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor’s Office, which found there was insufficient evidence to characterize a crime.

Plea deal: In the most emblematic case — involving leaked audio recordings containing embarrassing conversations — the criminal case was closed without a conviction and without the loss of first-offender status, through acceptance of a plea deal offered by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Caboclo’s statements: “Inappropriate conduct, but not harassment”

During the interview, the executive gave his detailed version of how the case was resolved and explained why he accepted the judicial agreement:

“The case ended with an offer from the Public Prosecutor’s Office for a plea deal, which applies to lesser offenses. I was advised by my lawyers to accept it in order to put an end to a distressing situation for my family. I paid amounts equivalent to R$100,000 to organizations that protect women and animals,” Caboclo said.

The former CBF president made a point of describing his behavior as “inappropriate,” for which he reiterated public apologies, but categorically rejected its classification as sexual harassment from a legal standpoint.

“It was inappropriate conduct on my part, for which I have unfortunately already apologized, and I do so every time I am asked. But I have opinions from renowned legal experts attesting that it did not constitute sexual harassment, since there was never any request for sexual favors, invitations to go out, or abuse of hierarchical power for that purpose,” he argued.

Caboclo also revealed that he tried to contact the accuser directly to apologize in person, but after being refused, he used press interviews to express public remorse.

Pressure, alcohol, and medication

When questioned about rumors regarding his psychological state and alleged substance abuse amid the suffocating routine at the CBF, the former president denied having alcohol dependency, admitting only to the improper use of alcohol combined with medication.

“I never had alcohol dependency, and I have medical follow-up that proves it. What happened was a habit of tasting wines that, in moments of great pressure, I ended up mixing with sleeping pills. That does not justify or lessen my inappropriate behavior, which was out of character for my whole life, but there was no alcoholism,” he stressed.

Family support and alleged personal growth

The executive also emphasized the central role of his wife, son, and parents in helping him get through the strain of media exposure and supporting his return to the sports scene.

“My wife never left my side for a single second because she knew my character and that there was no intention to hurt anyone. My family understood that São Paulo is my passion and supports my pre-candidacy,” he said.

According to Caboclo, the time away from the spotlight served as a process of maturity in interpersonal relationships and active listening: “I gained maturity and empathy. Today I understand much better the vulnerabilities and individual reality of each employee I work with.”

The election race at São Paulo and political rejection

Rogério Caboclo’s move comes at a time of marked political reorganization at Morumbi. After the impeachment of Julio Casares at the beginning of 2026 and the transition under interim leader Harry Massis, the club is preparing to elect its new president for the 2027-2029 term.

Despite having the backing of influential advisers — including the public support of the president of the Deliberative Council, Olten Ayres de Abreu Júnior — Caboclo’s pre-candidacy faces strong resistance among fans and opposition groups, who see the damage to his image as an institutional risk to Tricolor.

Addressing this rejection on social media and behind the scenes in politics, the executive said he is emotionally prepared for the clash.

“I see this pre-candidacy as a mission. My financial life is settled, and I want nothing from the club. I know the difficulty and the resistance, but I also know what I did for São Paulo in the 2000s in the financial department, what I did at the FPF and the CBF in terms of austere management. São Paulo needs professional administration so it does not remain stagnant in the coming years,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.