Corinthians look to international market with new sponsor drive
By Samindra Kunti
November 11 – Brazilian league leaders Corinthians have announced a partnership with São Paulo-based sports advertising agency TZK.
South America
Colombia’s Bedoya quits football roles as US corruption probe deepens
By Andrew Warshaw
November 10 – The president of the Colombian Football Federation Luis Bedoya has resigned unexpectedly, prompting immediate speculation that his decision was linked to the FIFA corruption scandal. Although Bedoya said he was stepping down for “personal reasons,” government sources were quoted as saying he had flown to New York last week.
Brazilian clubs plan breakaway competition to rival state championships
By Samindra Kunti
October 28 – A new independent tournament ‘Copa Sul-Minas-Rio’ may redesign the layout of Brazilian domestic football in 2016. The Brazilian FA CBF is watching anxiously from the sidelines.
Runaway del Nero says he is still on FIFA’s Exco despite his fear of Zurich
October 20 – Marco Polo del Nero, the Brazilian FA president who famously made a quick getaway just as seven other football officials, including his predecessor, were detained as part of the US corruption probe on that dramatic May morning in Zurich, has denied he has been forced out of the FIFA executive committee.
CONMEBOL kill Datisa deal but promise the 2016 Copa America will go on
By Ben Nicholson
October 20 – CONMEBOL has cut its links with Argentine sports marketing company Datisa, ending agreements that gave sponsorship and broadcast rights to Datisa for the Copa America tournaments, and in particular the Copa America Centenario scheduled to take place in the US next year, the first time the world’s oldest football tournament had been played outside the South American continent.
São Paulo turn to €33.7m of English money to refinance club
By Samindra Kunti
October 19 – São Paulo may have found English money to abate their current debt crisis with a €33.7 million cash injection into the club looking likely, though the identity of the English group has not been named.
Flamengo bid for control of Maracana but don’t rule out new stadium
By Samindra Kunti
October 19 – Flamengo’s chairman Eduardo de Mello wants the club to take management control of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium to maximise its revenue potential, but is facing opposition from within the sporting club.
2014 legacy: Corinthians battle to finish and fund Arena
By Samindra Kunti
October 2 – Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht is planning to finally deliver the Arena Corinthians on October 16, but the stadium will not be complete. With a number of sectors and areas around the stadium unfinished, Corinthians have expressed concern, but have said they do not intend to open legal proceedings against the builders.
Brazil bring in US-style draft for national team players in women’s league
By Samindra Kunti
September 30 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have introduced an American-style draft in Brazilian women’s football to ensure a more competitive balance in the domestic league.
Corinthians sign up to Twitter Amplify as they battle to boost revenue
By Samindra Kunti
September 24 – Brazilian club Corinthians have entered into a new partnership with social media network Twitter. At the same time Corinthians are set to break the one million fan attendance mark this season.
US hook another as Swiss approve extradition of Venezuelan Esquivel
By Andrew Warshaw
September 23 – Yet another of those arrested in Switzerland back in May as part of the FBI probe into widespread fraud is a step closer to facing justice in the US.
Argentines ‘negotiate’ the courts as Warner to get extradition decision today
By Paul Nicholson
September 21 – The South American marketers accused of offering bribes to secure commercial rights for major regional tournaments took the next steps along the judicial process in New York and Argentina. Meanwhile in Trinidad, Jack Warner is scheduled to get a ruling on his potential extradition to the US today.
Brazil to push FIFA for green light to test video refs for Brasileirão
By Samindra Kunti
September 18 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is to ask FIFA permission to use television images to help referees during the 2016 season of the Brazilian topflight Brasileirão.
Uruguayan clubs say FIFA reform member Villar is ‘extorting’ their cash
By Andrew Warshaw
September 17 – The credibility of FIFA’s already controversial Reform Committee has suffered an embarrassing blow with the revelation that one of the two South American members on the 12-member panel, Gorka Villar (pictured right), has been accused of “pressure and extortion” by eight Uruguayan clubs.
South Americans agree anti-corruption reforms and begin roll-out
By Andrew Warshaw
September 16 – South America’s football confederation CONMEBOL has approved an anti-corruption reform plan it hopes will herald a new era after a string of its senior officials were caught up in the US probe into alleged widespread fraud.