Brazil breaks tradition appointing Lima as first female national team coach
By Samindra Kunti
November 7 – The Brazilian FA, the CBF, have appointed their first female head coach with Emily Lima (pictured) chosen to succeed Oswaldo Alvarez.
South America
Astigarraga takes on top role in new reform-focussed CONMEBOL
By Andrew Warshaw
November 4 – In the latest move in its drive to reform itself and enhance its credibility after becoming shamefully embroiled in world football’s corruption scandal, CONMEBOL have named José Manuel Astigarraga as its new secretary general.
CONMEBOL turns to law to claw back ‘bribery’ cash of corrupt partners ISM
October 27 – So often portrayed as one of the main culprits in the world football corruption scandal, CONMEBOL has opened legal proceedings against its American sponsorship partners International Soccer Marketing Inc (ISM) in a bid to recover damages of $18 million paid in commission for exclusive broadcasting rights.
Brazil calendar rethink puts pressure on breakaway Primeira Liga
By Samindra Kunti
October 27 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) may enforce changes to the domestic football calendar that could threaten the existence of the Primeira Liga, a breakaway tournament.
Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto Torres dies, aged 72
October 27 – The football world is paying tribute to Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team – regarded as possibly the greatest national side of all time – and scorer of one of the sport’s most memorable goals who has died aged 72 at his home in Rio de Janeiro.
Fox sued in US for allegedly bribing CONMEBOL bosses for TV rights
By Andrew Warshaw
October 25 – The US-led probe into football corruption took another significant twist on Thursday when a Florida-based sports channel, GoITV Inc, sued Fox Sports Latin America alleging that Fox executives had paid tens of millions of dollars in bribes to CONMEBOL officials in exchange for lucrative television rights to tournaments, according to the Washington Post.
First Copa America, now Copa Libertadores? US touted as venue for club final
By Samindra Kunti
October 14 – The lure of the US for the South Americans seems unabated by the multiple arrests and pending trials of more than 30 of their federation executives on corruption charges. Regional confederation CONMEBOL is considering a one-legged final of the Copa Libertadores, with the US as a possible venue.
Copa Libertadores revamps with addition of 6 more teams for 2017
By Samindra Kunti
October 12 – Brazil will be the biggest winner of CONMEBOL’s decision to expand its top club competition, the Copa Libertadores, by six teams. Brazil will have two more representatives in the expanded competition, the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
From dark to light. Tite’s Brazil return to top World Cup qualifying table
By Samindra Kunti
October 12 – Brazil have moved top of the South American qualifying group for the Russia 2018 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Venezuela. Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Willian were on target.
Rio government poised to bring management change at Maracanã
By David Owen
October 3 – Management of one of the world’s most iconic football stadia – Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã – looks set to change hands. Brazilian media reports state that the Government of Rio de Janeiro and the concessionaire of the venue, opened in 1950 and partly rebuilt ahead of the 2014 World Cup, are negotiating termination of the current management contract.
Special Cruyff Court opened in Rio for visually impaired
September 16 – With the Rio Paralympic Games in full swing, the Johan Cruyff Foundation has opened a Special Cruyff Court for blind and visually impaired people on the premises of Urece, an organisation that gives blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to play sports.
New Argentine boss wants Messi back for crucial World Cup qualifiers
August 2 – Argentina’s new national coach Edgardo Bauza has made it a priority to try and persuade Lionel Messi to come out of international retirement as he starts to think about next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil’s women aim for Rio Gold, but post games future is uncertain
By Samindra Kunti
July 21 – Brazil’s women will start as one of the favourites for the Olympic gold medal next month, but the host nation’s players fear the permanence of the team may be under threat.
Gorka Villar quits CONMEBOL role
July 20 – Is the timing deliberate? Just as Angel Maria Villar llona announced his bid for the UEFA presidency, so his son Gorka Villar has left CONMEBOL, where he was director general, by “common accord”.
Argentina crisis: FIFA appoint execs to run the federation
July 19 – FIFA have named Armando Pérez, owner of the Belgrano club, as head of the normalising committee to temporarily manage the affairs of Argentine football.