Conmebol forms anti-racism task force. Samoura and Ronaldo included
April 14 – South American governing body Conmebol has launched an anti-racism task force that includes former FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura.
South America
Two fans killed in Chile before Copa Libertadores tie between Colo Colo and Fortaleza
April 11 – Two football fans have died following a confrontation between fans and police before Chilean club Colo Colo’s game against Brazil’s Fortaleza in the Copa Libertadores.
Dominguez sticks to 64-team World Cup theme, saying it is a party for everyone
April 11 – South American football supremo Alejandro Dominguez has repeated the idea of expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams as a one-off centenary celebration of the tournament.
Colombia’s Ramón Jesurún keeps his seat on FIFA Council
April 11 – Colombia’s Ramón Jesurún has retained his seat on the FIFA Council. At Thursday’s 80th Conmebol Congress, Jesurún was re-elected unopposed to serve another term on the FIFA Council, the highest decision-making body of the world federation.
Superbet swoops up Brazil second division title rights
April 10 – Betting operator Superbet has become the new title sponsor of Brazil’s second division, the Série B.
Brazil mourns loss of goalkeeping legend Manga, aged 87
April 9 – Manga, one of Brazil’s goalkeepers at the 1966 World Cup, has died at the age of 87 following a battle with prostate cancer.
Investing in his future: CBF’s Rodrigues gives 330% rise to state presidents, coupled with VIP Qatar 2022 junkets
April 7 – The salaries of the presidents of the 27 Brazilian state federations have jumped from R$50,000 (US$8,555) to R$215,000 (US$36,777) per month, an increase of 330% under the administration of CBF boss Ednaldo Rodrigues that also extended to junkets at the 2022 World Cup.
Conmebol brings in new 8 second rule for its club competitions
April 2 – Conmebol has introduced a major rule change for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, becoming the first confederation to cap the time goalkeepers can hold on to the ball at eight seconds. If keepers exceed the limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
Brazil sack Dorival mid-2026 qualifiers, but have yet to find a replacement
March 31 – Brazil have dismissed manager Dorival Junior following the disappointing results in World Cup qualifying that culminated with last week’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.
CBF debates Dorival’s fate after Brazil humbled by Argentina in 2026 qualifer
March 28 – In the aftermath of Brazil’s chastening 4-1 defeat against Argentina, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will discuss the future of manager Dorival Junior today (Friday).
SIGA take Female Leadership Summit to Brazil ahead of 2027 World Cup
March 26 – Sports integrity body SIGA is to host the inaugural Latin American edition of its Summit on Female Leadership in Sport in São Paulo on May 12 at the law firm Pinheiro Neto Advogados.
AFC renews media rights deal with ESPN until 2028
March 25 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed its media rights deal with ESPN for the 2025-2028 cycle, ensuring continued exclusive coverage of Asian football across South America and Central America, while also holding non-exclusive rights in the Caribbean.
Brazilian fury over Domínguez’s racist Tarzan comment builds, Conmebol calls emergency summit
March 21 – The governance of South American football is under renewed pressure as Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez faces a formal legal complaint in Brazil, deepening tensions with the continent’s largest footballing power over his handling – and apparent trivialisation – of racism in the game.
Conmebol draws 2025 Copa Libertadores. Will anyone break the Brazilian power play?
March 19 – Defending champions Botafogo have been drawn against Estudiantes de La Plata, Universidad de Chile and Carabobo in the group stages of the 2025 Copa Libertadores.
Conmebol’s Dominguez apologises for ‘Tarzan without Cheetah’ comment
March 19 – Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has apologised for saying that the Copa Libertadores without Brazilian teams would be like “Tarzan without Cheetah” after a club official had suggested teams could withdraw due to racism.