South America

SportAccord has suffered a fresh blow with the Peruvian Olympic Committee (COP) withdrawing its hosting rights to the 2017 World Combat Games in the wake of the fallout created by president Marius Vizer’s controversial comments about the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are seeking a new venue for the water polo competition after it was confirmed that planned renovation work on the Julio Delamare aquatic park would not be completed in time.

A future regular-season NFL American football game in Mexico or Germany, along with the potential staging of the Pro Bowl in Rio de Janeiro, has been discussed by the league’s franchise owners.

Rio 2016 has said a new venue could be chosen for next year’s Olympic water polo competition due to construction delays at the proposed facility.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has angrily denied a report that claimed that marketing partner ISE is able to influence national team selections for friendly matches.

The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) has removed Boca Juniors from the 2015 Copa Libertadores and issued further stiff sanctions against the Argentine Primera Division club following the suspension of its Round of 16 tie against bitter rivals River Plate last week.

Matt Smith, executive director of the International Rowing Federation (FISA), has said that rowing events at next year’s 2016 summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro could be delayed due to water pollution at the venue for the sport.

Canada-based gaming company Amaya Gaming has agreed a deal for Brazilian football star Neymar to become a brand ambassador for its PokerStars online poker arm.

Sao Paulo’s Itaquera Arena will remain a venue for football during the 2016 Olympic Games after an agreement was reached between the city and the Rio 2016 organising committee over the adjustment work needed for next year’s event.

Peru has stepped in to the void left by Chile’s withdrawal as a regular host of the Dakar Rally, by securing the rights to stage the opening rounds of the 2016 edition of the annual motorsport event.

The NFL (National Football League) could be set to move its all-star Pro Bowl game outside of the United States. Elisha Chauhan investigates the feasibility and rationale of touted host Brazil.

Brazil will stage the inaugural edition of the Indigenous Peoples World Games multi-sport event later this year.

The International Roller Sports Federation (FIRS) has signed a long-term hosting agreement with Peru which will culminate with Lima staging the 2021 World Roller Games, while the federation has furthered its development strategy by partnering with Italian company Filmmaster Events.

The National Basketball Association has confirmed that the Orlando Magic will face reigning Novo Banquette Brasil champion Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro as part of the 2015 NBA Global Games, while the league has announced record attendance figures for the 2014-15 regular season.

Chile has withdrawn from its status as a regular host country for the Dakar Rally, stating the funds needed to stage the 2016 edition of the annual motorsport event would be better used to repair damage caused by flash floods that have hit the northern, desert region of the South American country.

Eduardo Paes, the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, has said construction of facilities in the Deodoro zone which will be used during the city’s hosting of the 2016 summer Olympic Games is on track despite the company in charge of the project having laid off workers.