Botafogo, back in Brazil’s top flight, secure 30-year tenure at Olympic Stadium
December 21 – Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo will keep playing at the Olympic Stadium until 2051 after renewing the venue’s concession.
South America
Ronaldo takes control at Brazil’s Cruzeiro with $70m investment
December 20 – Brazilian legend and Real Sociedad owner Ronaldo has obtained a controlling stake in his old club Cruzeiro, which has been struggling in the second division of the Brazilian game.
A true world championship? UEFA and Conmebol set London date for Finalissima
December 16 – In a show of strength, renewing their existing Memorandum of Understanding, UEFA will stage a ‘Finalissima’ between Italy and Argentina in London next year.
Alonso takes over Uruguay’s Qatar 2022 misfiring qualification campaign
December 15 – Diego Alonso (pictured) has been appointed the new head coach of Uruguay, the country’s football association AUF announced on Tuesday.
Pele back in hospital for chemo, but will be home for Christmas
December 9 – Brazilian legend Pele is back in hospital, for follow-up for treatment for a colon tumour.
Landim wins new term as Flamengo president
December 6 – With a convincing majority, Rodolfo Landim has been reelected as president of Brazilian giants Flamengo for a three-year term.
Atletico Mineiro beat Bahia to secure Brazilian title after 50 year wait
December 3 – Atletico Mineiro clinched the Brazilian crown for the first time in 50 years after coming from behind to beat Bahia 3-2 and consolidate an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Brazil’s Cruzeiro drop member ownership in search of new investors
December 2 – Cruzeiro have become the first big club in Brazil to shift away from non-profit status to a company model, allowing the club to sell shareholdings to new investors.
Crypto.com becomes Copa Libertadores sponsor and Conmebol’s NFT partner
November 29 – Conmebol has agreed a multi-year partnership with Crypto.com as an official partner of its showcase club competition, Copa Libertadores.
Palmeiras retain Copa Libertadores title with extra time win over Flamengo
By Samindra Kunti in Montevideo, Uruguay
November 28 – With a dramatic extra-time goal from substitute Deyverson, Palmeiras defeated Flamengo 2-1 to retain their Copa Libertadores title and win the competition for a third time in the club’s history.
Flamengo and Palmeiras in Montevideo for all-Brazil Copa Libertadores showdown
By Samindra Kunti in Montevideo, Uruguay
November 26 – After a two-month wait, ups-and-downs and a defeat looming like a major end-of-season crisis, Palmeiras and Flamengo, two super clubs at home, will crown the 2021 Copa Libertadores winners in an all-Brazilian blockbuster.
Conmebol scrap away goals rule with immediate effect
November 26 – Following in the footsteps of European governing body UEFA, Conmebol will scrap the away goals rule from its competitions with the aim of introducing greater sporting ‘justice’.
Brazil’s Serie A considering $1bn offer for 20% stake, reports
November 25 – Brazilian clubs are contemplating a billion-dollar investment from private equity in a bid to take control of their own league.
Billionaire Pereira takes over as first female president at Palmeiras
November 23 – On the eve of the Copa Libertadores final, Palmeiras have elected Leila Pereira as their new boss, the billionaire businesswoman becoming the first female president in the club’s history.
Botofogo bounce back to Brazil’s Serie A at first attempt
November 16 – With two games remaining in the season, Rio giants Botafogo have clinched the Serie B title and promotion to the top flight following a 2-1 rearguard win against Operario.