Peru’s Alianza Lima beat Boca Juniors in shoot-out to stay in Copa Libertadores qualifiers
February 26 – Alianza Lima of Peru defeated Boca Juniors 5-4 from the penalty spot to eliminate the Argentinians from the Copa Libertadores qualifiers.
South America
Brazil extends match-fixing probe as English FA decision on Paqueta case nears
February 24 – The Brazilian Senate has extended an investigation into match fixing and sports betting, awaiting the outcome of the FA’s investigation into Lucas Paqueta.
Brazilian stars complain that artificial turf pitches increase injury threat
February 21 – With drought and water shortages occurring worldwide, artificial turf is seen as one way to combat the crisis, however, leading figures in the game, including Brazilian superstars Neymar, Thiago Silva, and Memphis Depay, are not so sure.
Online bookie now banned in the UK, puts a Stake down in Chilean football
Wednesday 19 – Online bookmaker Stake.com, who are the short sponsors of Everton but have been banned in the UK, have turned their attention to South America and announced a front-of-shirt sponsorship with Chilean Primera División side, Club Deportivo Ñublense.
Brazil bounce back in style to retain South American U-20 title
February 18 – In a boost to the country’s youth football, Brazil have retained the South American U-20 Championship after Argentina failed to get any reward from the last matchday of the tournament.
Neymar fans given unique opportunity to own his signed Santos return shirt
February 18 – After 12 years away from his beloved Santos FC, Brazilian superstar Neymar has returned home in what has been billed as the second coming. In homage to the momentous transfer back to his boyhood club, Santos have unretired the iconic number 10 that was previously worn by the world’s greatest player, Pele.
Santos give Neymar given a rapturous welcome home
February 7 – After nearly 12 years playing for two of the glitziest teams in Europe followed by a brief stop in Saudi Arabia, Neymar, once the world’s most expensive player, made his long-awaited return to his childhood club Santos this week and afterwards was lost for words.
Marcelo calls time on career that saw him star at Real Madrid and Brazil
February 7 – Brazil and Real Madrid legend Marcelo, one of the most decorated players in history, has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 36.
FIFA orders Corinthians to pay $8.1m in outstanding transfer fees
February 5 – FIFA has ordered Corinthians to pay outstanding transfer fees of $8.1 million and slapped the club with fines over irregularities in the transfers of both Rodrigo Garro and Felix Torres.
Santos legend Antonio Lima passes away at the age of 83
February 4 – Brazil and Santos legend Antonio Lima passed away on Monday at the age of 83 after a month-long hospitalisation.
Neymar confirms his return to boyhood club Santos
January 31 – Following the termination of his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal, Brazil star Neymar will return to his first club Santos in what is being reported as a short-term deal.
Betano picks up naming rights to Flamengo-Botafogo Super Cup
January 31 – Online bookmaker Betano will be the headline sponsor of Brazil’s Super Cup, the season’s curtain-raiser between Flamengo and Botafogo.
Neymar has Al-Hilal contract cancelled, clearing path for potential return to Santos
January 28 – The cancellation of injury-prone Neymar’s contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could ease the path to a return to Santos in Brazil where he started his career. Rumours are that he could return as both a player and investor.
Flamengo and Fluminense launch sale of Maracana’s skyboxes
January 22 – With the commercialisation of hospitality boxes, the Maracana and its exploiting clubs Flamengo and Fluminense looking to raise revenue generated by their jointly share stadium by €9.5 million.
Betsson renews Boca Juniors deal as it pushes deeper into South American markets
January 22 – Argentine club football powerhouse Boca Juniors has solidified its relationship with Swedish sportsbook Betsson Group, announcing a renewed partnership that will keep the betting giant as the club’s main sponsor until the 2028 season.