South America
Brazil 2014 denies delays ahead of Valcke visit
The chief executive behind Brazil’s preparations for the FIFA 2014 World Cup has maintained that the remaining venues will be delivered on time ahead of FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke latest visit to the country this week.
Exclusive: Orlando MLS franchise attractive for Brazilians
Flavio Augusto da Silva, the Brazilian entrepreneur behind a bid to establish a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise in Orlando, has said there is a huge opportunity to make Brazilian football fans’ “second favourite team” in the United States.
FIFA suspends Ukraine’s five-year ban
FIFA has suspended its sanctions against Ukraine as its national federation has lodged an appeal.
FIFA 2014 World Cup attracts 4.5m ticket requests
More than 4.5 million FIFA World Cup 2014 tickets have been requested a week before the initial sales phase ends.
Brazil judge suspends World Cup venue build
A Brazilian judge has suspended the build of a 2014 World Cup stadium in Curitiba, following safety breaches.
Brazil judge suggests WC venue should hold prisoners
A Brazilian judge has proposed that the Amazonia Arena in Manaus should be used as a prisoner processing centre after its hosting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, amid fears that the facility could become a ‘white elephant’.
FIFPro: Brazil’s heat a concern for 2014 World Cup
FIFPro secretary-general Theo van Seggelen has stated football stakeholders should be more concerned by potential heat issues at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, before debating Qatar’s 2022 hosting of the tournament.
Brazilian footballers protest over busy schedule
A group of 75 Brazilian players have called on the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to review the calendar for the season surrounding the 2014 FIFA World Cup, amid fears of burnout due to the volume of games scheduled.
Brazil launches first women’s football league
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has launched the country’s first women’s domestic club league, with government-owned bank Caixa Econômica Federal coming on board as its main commercial partner.
Soccerex Global Convention moves to the Maracana
The Soccerex Global Convention in Brazil has been moved to Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium, venue of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.
New IOC VP: We are all concerned about Rio 2016
The newly-elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates has prioritised the delivery of the 2016 Rio Olympics for his tenure, considering its struggle to prepare facilities on time.
Rebelo defends Natal’s 2014 WC stadium build
Brazil sports minister Aldo Rebelo has defended the construction of Natal’s Dunas Arena for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, stating that it will be completed on time and will not become a ‘white elephant’ following the tournament.
Maradona and Romario set up body to tackle CONMEBOL
Argentina and Brazil football legends Diego Maradona and Romario have joined forces to attack the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), stating they will form a commission to investigate the distribution of revenue throughout the region.
Valcke: Brazil World Cup to set record ticket sales
FIFA general-secretary Jerome Valcke expects a record number of purchased tickets in the first phase of sales for the 2014 Brazilian World Cup.
Rogge reflects on IOC presidency
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge has reflected on his leadership ahead of the body’s presidential elections on Tuesday.
WADA suspends Rio doping lab
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has revoked the accreditation of the LADETEC, the laboratory Rio de Janeiro scheduled to handle testing for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Women’s Sevens World Series adds host Sao Paulo
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has expanded its Women’s Sevens World Series for 2013/14 with the inclusion of Sao Paulo as a host city.
FIFA receives a million World Cup ticket requests
Over one million tickets have been requested for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil through more than 163,000 applicants.