Ricardo Teixeira stepped down from his posts as head of the Brazilian football federation and the 2014 World Cup organizing committee Monday, ending a contentious 23-year stint in charge of Brazilian football. The announcement ends an era that mixed success on and off the field for Brazil with allegations of irregularities and corruption involving Teixeira, including that he took kickbacks from former FIFA marketing partner ISL in the 1990s. The 64-year-old Teixeira, a member of FIFA's executive committee, took a leave of absence for medical reasons last week. But he said in a letter of resignation released Monday that he is leaving permanently to look after his health. The letter was read by new federation and organizing committee president, former Sao Paulo Governor Jose Maria Marin, who earlier this year was caught on television camera putting a winner's medal in his pocket while presenting them to players in an under-18 tournament. “I leave the presidency of the CBF (national federation) permanently with the sense of mission accomplished,” Teixeira wrote in the letter. “It's not easy to preside passion. Football in our country is associated with two things: talent and disorganization. When we win, talent is praised. When we lose, it's about disorganization. I did what was within my reach, sacrificing my health. I was criticized in the losses and undervalued in the victories.” Teixeira's term had been expected to end in 2015. The medical reasons were not officially disclosed, but last year he took leave after being hospitalized because of diverticulitis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the intestine. Former Brazil star Romario, now a congressman, had some harsh words for Teixeira after his resignation. “Today we can celebrate,” Romario posted on his Twitter and Facebook pages. “We exterminated a cancer from Brazilian football. Finally, Ricardo Teixeira resigned.” The 79-year-old Marin made headlines when he was filmed pocketing a winner's medal at the Copa Sao Paulo under-18 tournament. He later said the medal was given to him, and wasn't accused of any wrongdoing by organizers. “I hope the new president, the one who stole the medal from the Corinthians player, won't repeat this act while in the federation,” Romario said. Marin said nothing would immediately change at the federation or the World Cup organizing committee with him in command. “It's not a new administration,” he said. “It's a new president, but the stupendous work that was being done by Ricardo Teixeira will continue. It's not a new project.” Brazil Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said the change won't interfere in the country's preparations for the 2014 World Cup. Teixeira has led the CBF since 1989, being elected four times and revamping the organization after it struggled financially. Under his command, Brazil won the 1994 and 2002 World Cups and the federation became one of the richest in the world.
