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.
South America
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.
Abreu serves suspension after goading Flamengo fans
By David Gold
September 15 – Uruguayan forward Sebastián Abreu has served the one-match suspension handed to him by a Brazilian sports tribunal after provoking Flamengo supporters during a Brazilian league game.
Romário launches attack on CBF and Brazil coach Menezes
By David Gold
September 13 – Legendary Brazilian forward Romário, now a Congressman in Brazil’s Parliament, has accused the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and national team coach Mano Menezes of using international matches to promote players for their own benefit.
Argentina squad attacked in Peru ahead of World Cup qualifier
By David Gold
September 12 – Argentina’s national team has been attacked while travelling in Lima prior to a FIFA World Cup qualifier with Peru.
São Paulo sign shirt sponsorship deal with Toshiba
By David Gold
September 10 – Brazilian outfit São Paulo have signed a new shirt sponsorship agreement with Semp Toshiba, in a R$23 million (£7.1 million/$11 million/€8.6 million) a year deal running through until the end of 2014.
Agents banned as Argentina probes alleged tax evasion involving player transfers
By Andrew Warshaw
August 28 – The Federal Administration of Public Income (AFIP), Argentina’s national tax agency, has suspended almost 150 football agents as part of a detailed investigation into alleged tax evasion involving player transfers to overseas clubs.
Brazil fans honour memory of 1970 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Félix
By David Gold
August 28 – A minute’s silence was observed at every Brazilian league match at the weekend after Félix, the country’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper in 1970, passed away aged 74.
Santander inks deal to support leading South American competition
By David Gold
August 26 – Santander has agreed a three-year deal to become the title sponsor of the Recopa Sudamericana, which pits the winner of South America’s two major continental club competitions against each other.
Boca Juniors forced to play behind closed doors following fans’ violence
By David Gold
August 26 – Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium (pictured) in Argentina will be closed for at least one league match as a punishment for the violent behaviour of fans after this week’s Copa Sudamericana clash with Buenos Aires rivals Independiente.
Independiente President criticises barra brava for attacks
By David Gold
August 22 – A day after their defeat to fierce local rivals Racing Club, Argentine side Independiente’s offices were attacked in two separate incidents.
Pitch International signs ten-year deal for Brazil’s friendlies
By David Gold
August 17 – Pitch International has agreed an exclusive deal with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to organise and promote the national team’s friendly games for the next decade.
Disgraced Havelange’s name to controversially remain on Rio 2016’s main Olympic stadium
By Andrew Warshaw
August 3 – Organisers of the 2016 Rio Olympics have controversially decided to keep João Havelange’s name on their main stadium (pictured) despite the former FIFA President being tarnished by the ISL bribery scandal.
French Guiana put forward as Brazil 2014 training base
By David Gold at Club France in London
August 3 – French Guiana has unveiled a project it hopes will encourage leading athletes and nations to base themselves in the region prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in neighbouring Brazil.