South America

Reform of the Super Rugby model is set to move forward with a four-conference setup in 2016, according to Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive Bill Pulver.

The organising committee for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 summer Olympic and Paralympic Games has insisted it will deliver the event on time and within budget after International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates labelled preparations as “the worst I have experienced”.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates has hit out at Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games, stating they are “the worst I have experienced.”

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes has fired back at criticism from international sports federations of the city’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games by stating that unnecessary demands are being made.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke has warned that Brazil’s 12 host cities for the 2014 World Cup have “no choice” over the organisation of Fan Fests for this summer’s national team football tournament.

Lagardère Unlimited, the sports marketing division of French media conglomerate Lagardère, has moved to expand its activities in Brazil ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2014 Fifa World Cup national team football tournament and the 2016 summer Olympic Games.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke has stated Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians will be ready for the opening game of the 2014 World Cup, but added that organisers “don’t have a single minute to lose” to complete preparations.

Marco Polo del Nero will assume the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in 2015 for a four-year term after being elected unopposed as Jose Maria Marin’s replacement.

Brazilian authorities have unveiled a revised infrastructure budget of R24.1bn (€7.9bn/$10.9bn) for Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympic Games, 25 per cent more than was originally planned.

Series promoter IMG Motorsports has confirmed that the Argentinian city of San Luis will stage the final round of the inaugural season of the World Rallycross Championship.

Workers at Rio de Janeiro’s main venue for the 2016 Olympic Games have voted to continue their strike action on an indefinite basis as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prepares to make its latest visit to the city later this week.

Sao Paulo officials have signed a six-year extension to their contract to host Formula One’s Brazilian Grand Prix, while Rio de Janeiro has been dropped as a venue for the new Formula E motor-racing championship.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has unveiled a series of measures to help the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro as it prepares to host the 2016 summer Olympic Games.

The organising committee for Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympics has maintained that the Brazilian city will host a “great Games” but has conceded that problems need to be addressed, adding that progress is being made with preparations.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has promised action to address the crisis surrounding Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games, as international federations lined up to express their concerns.

Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) president Francesco Ricci Bitti has said he is “scared” over Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games, adding that the Brazilian government needs to take action to speed up work.