Brazilian players got drunk during the World Cup

According to an article on the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper, the president of the Brazilian Footbal Confederation (CBF) admitted some of the players in the National squad were involved in heavy drinking during the 2006 World Cup, played in Germany. Mr. Ricardo Teixeira explained to the newspaper some of the reasons why he thought the team played so poorly during the competition. As the defending world champions and with top players like Ronaldinho Gaucho, Kaka and Robinho on the team, Brazil failed to live up to the high expectations placed on the team.

During an informal talk with the newspaper, Mr. Teixeira allegedly said that some players arrived between 4 and 6am on the team's hotel, completely drunk. He failed to give out any names, but also criticized the atmosphere created around the hotels where the team stayed, with several fans paying $100 just to watch the team train - and training sessions sometimes consisting of players only jogging around the pitch.

He admitted there was a lack of command and discipline, and confessed this was one of the reasons he may have chosen new coach Dunga to replace Carlos Alberto Parreira after the fiasco in Germany. Famous for his strong character on the pitch, the captain of the 1994 World Cup championship team had never coached a team prior to this assignment. Last month he helped Brazil win the Copa America, defeating Argentina 3-0 on the final match.

Corinthians managers accused by Public Attorney's office

Several top managers from popular Brazilian club Corinthians were accused by the Brazilian Public Attorney's office this past week, due to the involvement with international investment fund MSI. They were accused of illegal financial operations, including money laundering. According to the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper, the investigation also mentions possible plans by the team and MSI to use financial means to prevent the team from being relegated, if it ever were in risk of doing so. The federal authorities recorded some conversations between the team and the fund managers, but did not give out many details as the investigation is still ongoing. The recordings also show team and MSI officials discussing details about buying and selling players abroad, with illegal transfer of money for these transactions, tax evasion and bribing.

In another note, the team has lost its legal battle in international courts against French side Lyon, and must now pay 8 million euros that had not been paid in the transfer of forward Nilmar.

Dodo suspended for doping

The second exam confirmed what the first had already showed, and Botafogo forward Dodo was preventively suspended on Monday for doping. His initial suspension is for 30 days. An urine sample collected after the match against Vasco showed the presence of an illegal substance commonly found in certain drugs used for dieting and quick loss of weight. Dodo scored two goals in that match, won 4-0 by Botafogo. The player, who has been playing quite well for the league leaders and has scored seven goals in ten matches so far in the Brazilian Serie A, will now be tried by the Brazilian Supreme Sports Justice Court. He can be suspended by as much as one year, following the trial.