Maracana in pole position for 2020 copa Libertadores final
October 15 – Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium are favourites to stage the 2020 Copa Libertadores final ahead of Thursday’s decision by Conmebol on host venue.
South America
Ecuadorian unrest threatens women’s Copa Libertadores
October 15 – A wave of political unrest in Ecuador has spilled over into football with world players’ union FIFPro calling for the women’s Copa Libertadores to be called off.
Brazil revamps domestic calendar to avoid club vs country row
October 4 – In a bid to end longstanding disputes and conflicts between club and country, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has released a 2020 domestic calendar which prevents domestic fixtures from clashing with FIFA dates. That provision will not apply to the 2020 Copa America.
Copa Libertadores: River Plate find an edge but all square in Brazil in race for Qatar CWC slot
October 3 – River Plate have taken a huge step towards the final of the Copa Libertadores after defeating Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors 2-0 in their semi-final first leg. In the all-Brazilian semi-final, Gremio and Flamengo shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Calendar clash: Tite underfire from clubs as he calls up domestic players for Brazil’s Asian friendlies
By Samindra Kunti
September 23 – Brazil coach Tite has called up seven home-based players for the October friendlies against Nigeria and Senegal, reigniting the debate about Brazil’s club and international calendar.
Unfinished business: Neymar could be back in Barcelona by Christmas
By Paul Nicholson in Edinburgh
September 5 – PSG’s €200 million star Neymar Jnr could leave the club as early January for Barcelona, though more likely at the end of the season if PSG play him in Champions League matches before the Winter transfer opens.
Brazil use Ronaldinho to fish for tourists in ambassadorial role, but keep his passport
September 6 – Former Barcelona star Ronaldinho Gaucho has been named a tourism ambassador in Brazil despite his travel ban.
CBF brings in financial fair play giving clubs have 3 years to evolve
September 2 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will introduce new fair play rules that clubs will have to comply with from 2020, but sanctions for rule-breakers will only be enforced from 2023 onwards.
Lightning strikes twice: Boca Juniors and River Plate to renew Copa Libertadores battle
August 30 – In a rematch of last year’s tumultuous Copa Libertadores final Boca Juniors will play Buenos Aires rivals River Plate in the last four of the competition after eliminating Paraguay’s Cerro Porteno. In the other semi-final, Flamengo will meet Gremio in an all-Brazilian affair.
Conmebol repeats high ticket price policy for Copa Libertadores final in Chile
August 22 – In a repeat of the 2019 Copa America, Conmebol has set high ticket prices for November’s Copa Libertadores final in Santiago, Chile, pricing the majority of South American fans out of the showpiece event.
Clubs concerned as Brazilian rhythm interrupted by long VAR pauses
August 13 – Brazilian club matches truncated by the intervention of VAR have stirred a nationwide debate over the pros and cons of the new technology. To remedy the situation, Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras have demanded the clubs meet the CBF’s refereeing committee.
Argentine World Cup legend ‘Tata’ Brown dies, aged 62
August 13 – Argentine legend Jose Luis ‘Tata’ Brown, who scored the opening goal in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany, has died at the age of 62.
No-nonsense Conmbeol his Gabriel Jesus with 2-month international ban
August 8 – Conmebol has handed Manchester City and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus a two-month international suspension and a £25,000 fine for his unruly behaviour during the Copa America final.
Corinthians critical of police arrest of anti-Bolsonaro chanting fan
August 7 – Brazilian giants Corinthians have criticised the arrest of a supporter who protested against Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro during his club’s home game with Palmeiras. Brazilian police say they detained the fan for his own safety.
Conmebol hits Messi with 3-month ban for ‘corrupt’ allegations
August 5 – Lionel Messi has been banned from international football for three months after claiming the Copa America was “corrupt”.