In preparation for the World Cup and Olympics, the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism announced new criteria for evaluating hotels and accommodations, according to the guidelines of the Brazilian System for the Qualification of Accommodation. The goal of SBClass is to increase competitiveness in the Brazilian hospitality industry and inform consumers about the standards of establishments. Brazil Minister of Tourism Gastao Vieira said, "With major events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics just around the corner, we need to upgrade our facilities and services (SECOM). ... The Bulgarian Football Union said that CSKA Sofia will be "thrown out of the domestic championship" if UEFA bans the club from European competitions. On Wednesday, UEFA gave the club until the end of September to pay off their debts or face a three-year European ban (AFP, 9/27). ... EPL club Stoke City CEO Tony Scholes has confirmed the club will be "self-sufficient by the start of next season." Stoke City Chair Peter Coates and his family have injected more than £60M ($97.3M) into the team to help transform the club from a mid-table Championship side into one enjoying a "fifth successive season in the Premier League." With a new TV deal, Stoke is "on course" to generate enough of its own funds next season (THISISSTAFFORDSHIRE.co.uk, 9/27).