Robinho loses appeal against rape conviction in Italy
December 11 – Robinho’s appeal over a nine-year prison sentence for rape has been thrown out by a court in Milan.
South America
Boca Juniors squeeze into Copa Libertadores quarter finals with shoot-out win
December 12 – Argentinean giants Boca Juniors triumphed on penalties against Internacional of Brazil to set up a Copa Libertadores quarter-final against Racing Club as the competition moves into the business end of the season.
Flamengo wins appeal against paying support to families of youth players killed in academy fire
December 3 – Flamengo will no longer have to pay an allowance of 10,000 Brazilian Reias (€1,578) to the families of the victims of the Ninho de Urubu training complex tragedy, a Rio de Janeiro court ruled.
Police raid home of Maradona’s doctor
November 30 – Argentine prosecutors are investigating Diego Maradona’s personal physician for possible negligence following the footballing legend’s death last week from a heart attack at the age of 60 which sparked a global outpouring of grief.
Four coaches since June, no money, and relegation looming. Botafogo in crisis
November 30 – Botafogo are teetering on the edge after dismissing their fourth coach since June. The club, languishing in the relegation zone of the Brazilian top flight, dismissed Ramon Diaz on Friday after he had been in charge for only three weeks.
Alves’ ‘transparency’ platform win him presidency at debt-riddled Corinthians
November 30 – Duílio Monteiro Alves has been elected the new president of Brazilian giants Corinthians. With the victory, former strongman Andrés Sanchez’s political group will lead the club for another three years.
Emotions overflow as Argentines mourn at Maradona’s funeral
November 27 – In contrast to his global popularity, Diego Maradona was buried in a small private ceremony on Thursday amid emotional scenes especially on the streets of his native Argentina and in Naples where he resurrected the fortunes of the Serie A club.
From Popes to paupers; world pays tribute to genius of Diego Maradona
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – From the Pope to FIFA to current and ex-managers and players, and three days of national mourning in his native Argentina.
The Hand of God: Maradona dies, aged 60
By Andrew Warshaw
November 25 – The football world is in shock after it was announced that Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players of all time, has died at the age of 60 after a cardiac arrest.
Conmebol chases Globo for $120m of unpaid TV rights fees
November 25 – Conmebol is suing Brazilian broadcaster Globo for $120 million over a Copa Libertadores TV rights dispute.
Flamengo and Santos show away form as Copa Libertadores starts knock out phase
November 25 – South American champions Flamengo secured a valuable 1-1 draw on the road against Argentina’s Racing Club in the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores on a good first night for Brazilian clubs in the competition’s knockout phase.
Rio’s Maracana to host Copa Libertadores final a day before Club World Cup kicks off
November 24 – On January 30, South America will crown a new club champion with the final of the Copa Libertadores now confirmed for Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium.
Mastercard renew until 2024 with Brazil’s CBF
November 19 – Mastercard have extended their sponsorship of the Brazilian football confederation (CBF) and the country’s national team until 2024.
Brazil brush Uruguay aside to maintain prefect record in Qatar 2022 qualifiers
November 18 – Brazil defeated Uruguay 2-0 in Montevideo courtesy of goals from Arthur and Richarlison to maintain a perfect record and top spot in South American World Cup qualifying. In Quito, Ecuador steamrollered Colombia 6-1.
Police detain Bolivian boss Rodriguez during Ecuador World Cup qualifier
November 13 – South America’s World Cup qualifiers are never short of drama. On Thursday, the boss of the Bolivian FA (FBF) Marco Rodriguez was arrested during the Bolivia vs Ecuador over allegations of corruption.