South America

TSE Consulting has expanded into three new markets by opening national offices in Turkey, Peru and the United Arab Emirates.

The likes of 3x3 basketball and BMX freestyle are in contention for a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) sports director Christophe Dubi.

The Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) has been handed a sizeable boost ahead of Rio de Janeiro’s staging of the 2016 Paralympic Games by agreeing a four-year sponsorship deal worth R$120 million (US$60.4 million) with Caixa Econômica Federal.

Salvador’s Arena Fonte Nova has signed a 10-year naming rights deal with beer brand Itaipava, with the agreement marking the first such contract for Brazil’s 2014 FIFA World Cup venues.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) have stated that they are monitoring proceedings after Rio de Janeiro authorities were forced to temporarily close the stadium that will host track and field events at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has suggested Rio de Janeiro could regain the hosting rights to the Brazilian Grand Prix from 2016, while the Mercedes-Benz team has witnessed further significant changes in its senior management with the announcement that CEO Nick Fry will step down at the beginning of April.

Bolivia will become the 28th country to host the motorsport’s historic Dakar Rally after Peru was dropped from the 2014 edition of the race.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted yesterday that Brazil will be ready for the 2014 World Cup as football’s global governing body announced that the responsibilities of its Organising Committee for the showpiece tournament will be extended to cover the 2018 and 2022 competitions.

The Sportel spring conference returns to Rio de Janeiro this week for the second consecutive year.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has revealed that the Rio de Janeiro authorities have given him guarantees that the city’s Maracana stadium will be able to host Confederations Cup games in June, but admitted that there is “no plan B” if the venue is not ready.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has furthered its drive to expand its global footprint by announcing that the cities of Bilbao, Manchester, Manila and Rio de Janeiro will host pre-season games for the first time under its 2013-14 ‘Global Games’ schedule.

Brasil Foods (BRF) has agreed a three-year deal which will see its Perdigao brand become the new title sponsor of the Copa do Brasil.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games have made solid progress, but has noted “time remains of the essence” as its plans face a “critical” year.

Goal-line technology (GLT) will be used at this year’s Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup after FIFA on Tuesday launched a tender process for proposals from companies interested in fulfilling the contract for its showpiece competitions.

Brazilian giant Flamengo has ended its search for a main shirt sponsor by agreeing a three-year deal with Peugeot.

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A giant Sao Paulo has agreed a new kit partnership with Penalty worth over R$35 million (US$17.1 million) per year until 2015.