South America - ProReferee

The National Congress building in Brasilia is illuminated with green and yellow lights, as part of events prepared by the federal district government to celebrate the 1000-day countdown to the opening of the World Cup in Brazil, September 16, 2011. (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)

Brazil proposes law to allow alcohol at World Cup venues

Brazil has moved closer to overturning a ban on alcoholic drinks at sports venues, drafting a bill that would allow for their sale at 2014 World Cup matches out of deference to world soccer's governing body FIFA.

by Reuters

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Lineman Dario Gaona (C) is evacuated to an ambulance after a firecracker thrown by a fan exploded near him during the Paraguayan first division soccer match between Cerro Porteno and Libertad at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, December 4, 2011. The match was suspended by referee Carlos Amarilla. (REUTERS/Stringer)

South American teams in trouble over firecracker incidents

Paraguay's Libertad went from bad to worse on Tuesday with two players sent off in the second half of their derby against Cerro Porteno in a game that had already been suspended due to crowd violence two days prior.

by Reuters

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Brazil's Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo attends a news conference at the official residence of the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia November 8, 2011. (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)

Brazil could stage World Cup within “two months”

Brazil, plagued by delays and in-fighting in its preparations for the 2014 World Cup, could stage the event in two months' time if necessary, the country's sports minister said on Friday.

by Reuters

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Spitting spat leads to 10-match ban for Brazil player

A Brazilian player has been banned for 10 matches for spitting an at opponent while his coach was suspended for five games for insulting the referee and refusing to leave the pitch after being sent off in the same game.

by Reuters

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President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) Ricardo Teixeira attends a farewell ceremony of the former Brazil striker Ronaldo in Sao Paulo June 6, 2011. (REUTERS/Nacho Doce)

Brazil opens anti-racism drive, targets Blatter remarks

World Cup 2014 hosts Brazil appeared to publicly slam FIFA chief Sepp Blatter when they launched a campaign against racism in sport on Thursday.

by Reuters

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Police protect referees, rifle aimed at furious Brazilian fans

A referee left the pitch under heavy police protection after awarding a stoppage time penalty to the away side in a Brazilian championship match.

by Reuters

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Soccer player who choked referee gets 27-game ban

Paraguay soccer player Jose Pedroso received a 27-game ban for attempting to choke a referee during a Chilean second-division match.

by Associated Press

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Paraguayan player tries to choke referee in Chilean second-division match

A Paraguayan soccer player grabbed a referee around the throat and tried to choke him during a game in Chile's second division.

by Associated Press

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Brazilian World Cup referee suspended for mistakes

A referee chosen to officiate at next year's World Cup has been suspended for the rest of the Brazilian League season for repeated mistakes. The suspension of Carlos Eugenio Simon was announced Monday by the Brazilian soccer co...

by Associated Press

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