Conmebol adds TCL as Copa Libertadores sponsor for 2023-26 cycle
March 16 – Consumer electronics brand TCL, has become an official sponsor of Conmebol’s Copa Libertadores club competition for the 2023-2026 cycle.
South America
Sarney claims ‘betrayal’ as Rodrigues takes his FIFA Council seat
March 15 – The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has ousted long-standing FIFA Council member Fernando Sarney (also Brazilian) as a South American representative on the world federation’s top body.
Court tells Textor’s Botafogo to deal with its debt or face its assets being frozen
March 12 – Brazilian club Botafogo has been told to renegotiate with creditors after failing to settle around Reais 10 million (€1.8 million) in debt. Failure to do so will result in the club’s assets being frozen.
Sanchez quits Middle East for Ecuador and a focus on 2026 World Cup qualification
March 13 – Qatar’s World Cup coach Felix Sanchez has a new role. He will succeed Gustavo Alfaro as head coach of Ecuador on a four-year deal, with qualification for the 2026 World Cup his main challenge.
Brazil’s Grêmio secures Esportes da Sorte deal ahead of Serie A start and Suarez’s arrival
March 3 – Brazilian online bookie Esportes da Sorte, has taken in the front of shirt sponsorship of Grêmio ahead of the club’s return to the Brasileiro which kicks off in April.
Christos dons Bulgarian shirt to mark 100-year anniversary of BFU
March 6 – The emblematic statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro glowed in the colours of the Bulgarian flag on the occasion of the National day of Bulgaria, 3rd of March, and the 100th anniversary of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU).
Copa do Brasil kicks off with Krona as first time sponsor
February 27 – The Copa do Brasil that kicked off last week, has added tubing manufacturer Krona as a sponsor in a one-season deal.
Alonso re-elected to presidency of Uruguayan FA, after challenger Ferrari controversially stands down
February 17 – Ignacio Alonso has been re-elected for another four-year term to lead the Uruguayan FA (AUF).
beIN Sports completes 4-year renewal for Conmebol’s club competitions
February 14 – Qatari-based broadcaster beIN Sports has renewed its commitment to South American football, extending its licensing of broadcast rights to the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana for the MENA region in a four-year deal.
Brazil’s proposed Liga Forte secures €879m buy-in from venture capitalists
February 8 – The 26 clubs of the Liga Forte (LFF), one of two groups seeking to redesign Brazilian football, have reportedly closed an investment agreement with domestic venture capital group Life Capital Partners and US investment group Serengeti Asset Management, worth R$4.85bn (€879.6 million).
Conmebol quartet formalise their bid for 2030 World Cup, Bolivia could join them
February 7 – Will Bolivia join the South American quartet of Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay in their bid for the 2030 World Cup? Argentina’s president Alberto Fernandez wants the Bolivians to be a part of the adventure.
Iranian Koosha Delshad quits Brazil’s Clube Comercial de Paiui after one game
February 6 – Iranian coach Koosha Delshad has resigned from Brazilian club Piaui following racist abuse.
Civil unrest forces Peru to restart Liga1 behind closed doors
February 3 – Peru’s top-flight division kicks off this weekend behind closed doors following a two-week suspension because of the civil unrest that has reportedly cost more than 50 lives.
Messi refuses to rule out 2026, but he is definitely in for Copa America 2024 in US
February 3 – World Cup winner Lionel Messi did not shut the door on returning to the biggest stage of all, but said he was not sure he can still bring what it takes at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentinean will be 39 at the start of the next World Cup.
Copa America to return to US in 2024 after Conmebol and Concacaf sign new multi-competition pact
By Paul Nicholson
January 27 – Conmebol’s flagship Copa America will be played in the US in 2024 for the second time with all 10 of the South American nations and the six best Concacaf teams competing.