Coaching duo Cleber Xavier and Tite to part company
October 21 – After a 24-year-long partnership, Brazilian manager Tite and his assistant Cleber Xavier have parted ways with the latter choosing to pursue his own managerial ambitions.
South America
Corinthians refuse to drop betting sponsor as gaps appear in Brazil licensing rules
October 16 – Brazil’s clubs are proving reluctant to give up their betting sponsors despite the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) saying it will enforce a ban on club sponsorship by bookmakers across all levels of Brazilian football who do not hold state betting licenses.
Brazil cracks down on unlicensed bookmakers’ club sponsorships
October 14 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said it will enforce a ban on club sponsorship by bookmakers across all levels of Brazilian football starting last Friday (11 October).
Maradona remains to be relocated to public mausoleum in Buenos Aries
October 3 – A court in Argentina has authorised plans for the relocation on “humanitarian and emotional” grounds of Diego Maradona’s remains from a private cemetery so they can be placed at a public mausoleum under construction in Buenos Aires.
SmartSoft track Argentina’s rise in popularity with renewed deal focussed on Europe
September 20 – The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed the renewal and expanded its partnership with online casino games supplier SmartSoft, elevating the brand to the role of regional sponsor in Europe.
Homicide trial of Maradona’s medical team pushed into 2025
September 13 – A trial of eight health workers charged with “homicide by negligence” over the death of Diego Maradona has been postponed again, this time from October until March.
Brazil lose fourth 2026 qualifier but hold on to qualification slot
September 11 – Brazil slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay in the World Cup qualifiers, but remain on course to reach the 2026 finals.
Brazil squeeze past Ecuador to calm 2026 non-qualification fears
September 9 – Brazil put their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a laboured 1-0 victory against Ecuador in Coritiba.
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez call time on his 142 cap international career
September 3 – Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has announced his retirement from international football and will play his last match for the Celeste on Friday against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier.
Conmebol sanctions Uruguayan players for fighting in stands at Copa America semi-final
August 29 – Conmebol has banned several key Uruguayan internationals as a result of the debacle that marred the Copa America semi-final against Colombia in July.
Botafogo cling on to secure Copa Libertadores quarter final slot
August 22 – Botafogo held on to a dramatic 2-2 draw to eliminate Palmeiras 4-3 on aggregate from the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
Fluminense, struggling in Brasileirao, find form for Copa Libertadores defence
August 21 – Defending champions Fluminense advanced to the last eight of the Copa Libertadores after winning a penalty shootout 4-2 against Brazilian rivals Gremio.
Gremio boss brands CBF ‘incompetent’ as match calendar bites
August 19 – After a 2-0 defeat with a reserve team against Bahia, Gremio manager Renato Portaluppi added his voice to those of discontent, slamming the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) over the match calendar.
Brazil tightens bookmaker regulation that gives state veto on ad promotion
August 16 – Betting operators will need the formal approval of Loterj, Rio de Janeiro’s state lottery, to advertise at the Maracana Stadium.
Flamengo head to altitude to complete Copa Libertadores tie, but Tite says players are falling
August 16 – Flamengo defeated Bolivar 2-0 to take a major step toward the last eight of the Copa Libertadores, but manager Tite lamented the demands the calendar puts on his squad.