Neymar confirms his return to boyhood club Santos
January 31 – Following the termination of his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal, Brazil star Neymar will return to his first club Santos in what is being reported as a short-term deal.
South America
Betano picks up naming rights to Flamengo-Botafogo Super Cup
January 31 – Online bookmaker Betano will be the headline sponsor of Brazil’s Super Cup, the season’s curtain-raiser between Flamengo and Botafogo.
Neymar has Al-Hilal contract cancelled, clearing path for potential return to Santos
January 28 – The cancellation of injury-prone Neymar’s contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could ease the path to a return to Santos in Brazil where he started his career. Rumours are that he could return as both a player and investor.
Flamengo and Fluminense launch sale of Maracana’s skyboxes
January 22 – With the commercialisation of hospitality boxes, the Maracana and its exploiting clubs Flamengo and Fluminense looking to raise revenue generated by their jointly share stadium by €9.5 million.
Betsson renews Boca Juniors deal as it pushes deeper into South American markets
January 22 – Argentine club football powerhouse Boca Juniors has solidified its relationship with Swedish sportsbook Betsson Group, announcing a renewed partnership that will keep the betting giant as the club’s main sponsor until the 2028 season.
FIFA bans Venezuelan Manuel Alvarez for five years and fines him $1m
January 20 – FIFA has banned Manuel Álvarez, one-time general secretary of the Venezuelan FA, for five years for financial wrongdoing and fined him nearly $1 million.
Kick It Out tackles Infantino over Argentine players’ racist chanting towards French African players
January 17 – Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has written a powerful letter to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino asking what action, if any, was being taken over a video posted on social media by Chelsea’s Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez last year featuring an alleged “racist and transphobic” chant against French players.
Court rules bookmaker Esportes da Sorte’s five club sponsorship deals are legal
January 14 – Betting operator Esportes da Sorte will be allowed to maintain their presence in Brazil following a federal court injunction.
Botafogo land 3-year shirt sponsorship with VBET
January 14 – Brazilian giants Botafogo have announced a landmark partnership with online sports betting brand VBET as their new main shirt sponsor in a three-year agreement.
Chilean women’s team agrees new working conditions ahead of Copa America
January 13 – On the road to equality, the Chilean women’s national team have signed an agreement with the country’s FA (ANFP) to improve their working conditions.
Flamengo make staff changes but stick with José Boto and Filipe Luis to lead team
January 9 – New Flamengo coaching boss José Boto has said that he wants to end the hegemony of Portuguese coaches in Brazil, marking a different direction of travel at Rio’s biggest club under new president Luiz Eduardo Baptista.
Brazilian football politics intensitfy as Ronaldo lines up against Rodrigues for CBF presidency
January 3 – The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) has dismissed its communications director Rodrigo Paiva because of his ties to Ronaldo.
Argentina FA adds BGH to sponsorship roster through 2026 World Cup
January 2 – The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a new regional sponsorship agreement with air conditioning company BGH, marking another strategic partnership as the national team gears up for the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo plots to enter football politics with run at Brazilian FA presidency
December 18 – Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed that he wants to run for the presidency of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) with a programme that will restore the prestige of the country’s game.
Conmebol adds Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying tournament to calendar
December 13 – Following in the footsteps of Europe, South America will stage a standalone qualifying tournament for the Women’s World Cup, the region’s governing body Conmebol confirmed on Thursday.