Figueredo steps in for interim after Leoz’s sudden exit
By Andrew Warshaw
April 25 – Uruguay’s Eugenio Figueredo (pictured) has taken over the running of South American football following the resignation of CONMEBOL president Nicolas Leoz.
South America
Another one bites the dust, Leoz exits FIFA citing health reasons
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
April 24 – Here we go again. Veteran FIFA powerbroker, about to be exposed, quits citing health reasons. The figure this time is 84-year-old Nicolas Leoz, head of CONMEBOL, who has announced he is stepping down as well as relinquishing his place on FIFA’s executive committee, held since 1998.
Maracanã stage passes sound and lighting test, 97% ready for action
April 22 – Brazil’s iconic Maracanã took a step closer to readiness this weekend with a sound and lighting test. The stadium is now 97% ready with just some seating to be installed.
Brazilian fan shootings prompt fresh security concerns
19 April – Security fears surrounding next year’s World Cup have increased after two fans were shot dead near one of the new stadia being used for the tournament.
Maracana set for Ronaldo vs Bebeto opener, behind closed doors
By Andrew Warshaw
April 12 – Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium, plagued by setbacks since the start of reconstruction work, will stage its first test game on April 27 between teams representing two of Brazil’s greatest players – Ronaldo and Bebeto – and featuring some of the workers who helped rebuild the famous venue.
America de Cali escapes the Clinton List and US sanctions
By Mark Baber
April 5 – The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday finally lifted sanctions on Colombian professional team America de Cali, saying it has severed links to leaders of the Cali drug cartel.
Romario steps up campaign against Brazilian football chief Marin
By Mark Baber
April 4 – Congressman Romario has been stepping up his attacks on Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Jose Maria Marin (pictured) over his alleged links to the country’s former military dictatorship.
Chinese Chery goes Brazilian with Santos and Neymar
By Mark Baber
March 25 – An unusual 8-day, 3-match deal between Chinese automaker Chery and Brazilian club Santos concluded yesterday after the Palmeiras-Santos game.
Rosell under pressure over Brazil friendly promotion
By Andrew Warshaw
March 13 – Just as his club were staging one of their greatest comebacks to take their customary place in the Champions League quarterfinals, Barcelona president Sandro Rosell (pictured) found himself at the centre of possible fraud charges in Brazil.
Corinthians protest flare death bans
By Mark Baber
February 25 – Corinthians are appealing the penalties imposed by CONMEBOL on the club after the tragic death of 14-year-old Bolivian fan Kevin Beltran Espada, who was struck by a flare allegedly thrown by travelling Corinthians supporters.
Grondona to step down as head of AFA in 2015 but continue at FIFA
January 30 – Julio Grondona, president of the Argentinean Football Federation (AFA) has said he will step down from the AFA presidency in 2015, at the end of his current term.
CONMEBOL boss recovering in hospital after heart surgery
By Andrew Warshaw
November 11 – Nicolás Leoz, the 84-year-old President of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), is recovering in hospital in São Paulo following heart surgery.
Hulk’s sister reunited with family after kidnapping
By Andrew Warshaw
November 8 – The sister of Brazil’s Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk has been reunited with her family after being kidnapped for 24 hours.
Havelange brands Menezes a “moron” and calls for the return of Scolari
By Andrew Warshaw
November 1 – Brazil’s former FIFA President João Havelange has launched a scathing attack on national team coach Mano Menezes and has called on Felipe Scolari to return to the helm.
Luisão has ban extended worldwide
By David Gold
September 20 – Brazilian defender Luisão has been handed a global ban from football for two months by FIFA following an incident in a pre-season friendly.