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.
South America
Chile’s players threaten strike after FA leaves 420 without contracts
July 14 – Professional footballers in Chile have announced strike action for the weekend of 22, 23 and 24 July if the country’s football association (ANFP) does not comply with the wishes of players’ association Sifup, according to the international players’ union FIFPro.
Argentina cries for Messi to return, is the truth he never left them…
By Andrew Warshaw
June 29 – Lionel Messi has been urged to reconsider his surprise decision to quit international football by Diego Maradona, Argentina’s president Mauricio Macri and, it seems, virtually the whole of his country.
End of an era. Messi quits Argentina sparking fears of an exodus
By Paul Nicholson
June 27 – Lionel Messi has hung up his international boots, his last act for Argentina being missing a penalty in the final shoot out last night that saw Chile win the Copa America Centenario in the US.
Segura sidelined as FIFA takes over running of Argentinian FA
June 27 – As if losing to Chile on penalties in the final of Copa America for the second successive time wasn’t painful enough Argentina are embroiled in an escalating crisis off the field with FIFA saying they have taken control of the national federation and will help pick an emergency panel to manage its affairs.
Dunga pays the price for Brazilian failure. Tite favourite to take over
By Samindra Kunti
June 16 – Brazil have wasted no time in sacking their coach Carlos Dunga after their shock exit from the Copa America Centenario being played in the US. Corinthians coach Tite has become the frontrunner to succeed Dunga. But in a federation haunted by endless allegations of corruption, at the top of the CBF pyramid there will be no change.
Manaus stadium thrown another lifeline with hosting of crucial Brazil 2018 qualifier
By Samindra Kunti
May 3 – The Brazilian FA, the CBF, has confirmed that Brazil will play their World Cup qualifier against Colombia in September in Manaus.
Brazilian ‘mafia’ inquiry targets Marin, Hawilla, Dunga, Neymar’s Dad and Infantino
By Samindra Kunti
April 29 – The Brazilian parliamentary inquiry (CPI) into corruption in football – actually called CPI da Mafia de Futebol – has requested interviews with former president of the Brazilian FA Jose Maria Marin (pictured) and Traffic founder Jose Hawilla, both currently confined to the United States as part of their agreements with the US Department of Justice as it continues its football corruption prosecutions.
CBF brings in Brazilian coaches and international help for a week of soul-searching
By Samindra Kunti
April 26 – The Brazilian FA, the CBF, have kicked off a week of seminars discussing the future of Brazilian football. Brazil coach Carlos Dunga (pictured) and Italy coach Antonio Conte opened the proceedings.
Neymar’s summer plans in flux as CBF and Barca battle for control
By Samindra Kunti
April 15 – The tug of war between FC Barcelona and the Brazilian FA (CBF) over where Neymar plays this summer is continuing with the CBF insisting on Neymar playing both the centenary Copa America in the US and the Olympic Games in Rio.
Brazil’s ‘most wanted’ Del Nero retakes emperors reins at CBF
By Andrew Warshaw
April 13 – FIFA’s avowed intention to put the misdemeanours of discredited powerbrokers behind it and focus on a reformed future has got off to an inaupicious start – in Brazil at least.
Uruguayan police may bring in Interpol in bid to secure Gorka Villar
April 13 – Whilst Angel Maria Villar Llona controversially continues to stand in for banned UEFA president Michel Platini despite being sanctioned late last year for failing to co-operate with the official investigation into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process, his son is reported to have has fallen foul of judicial authorities in Uruguay.
CONMEBOL lawsuits multiply as Paraguay HQ comes under threat
April 5 – The beleaguered South American Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, could be forced out of its Paraguay headquarters due to a $10 million lawsuit relating to the land where it is situated, according to its president.
Brazil crisis: Seleção outside 2018 qualification slots as CBF investigations mount
By Samindra Kunti
April 4 – The Brazilian FA, the CBF, will face more scrutiny by a newly established investigatory commission (CPI). Meanwhile, on the field, Brazil’s qualification campaign for the Russia 2018 World Cup ran into serious problems after draws with both Uruguay and Paraguay.
Gilberto Silva calls in current Brazilian players to back a Bom Senso revolution
By Samindra Kunti
March 30 – Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva and the player movement Bom Senso are seeking a modernisation of the Brazilian domestic game, but Silva says much remains to be done for Brazilian football to remerge as a powerhouse.