The nomination Wednesday is seen in Brazil as a blow for the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ricardo Teixeira, son-in-law of FIFA president Joao Havelange.
Pele was last year barred from the World Cup draw in Las Vegas by Havelange after alleging the CBF had been corrupt in business practices over television rights. A long-time critic of Brazilian politicians, it is the first time Pele has been given a public post.
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