Brazilian authorities "have backed down from a threat to ban shirtless and standing fans" at Rio de Janeiro's revamped Maracanã stadium "after the latest public outcry." Rio de Janeiro state government's sports ministry said in a statement: "Fans will be able to take flags with masts up of up to 10 metres, take off their shirts and watch the game standing up" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 7/22). ... The African Champions League resumed with only two of the four matches scheduled for the opening weekend of the eight-team group stage able to be played "because of violence in Egypt and Cameroon's football ban" (AP, 7/22). ... FIFA lifted the suspension of the Cameroonian FA given that the conditions previously have been met (FIFA). ... EPL Liverpool has, in partnership with the Special Olympics organization, sent a group of community coaches to Jakarta to deliver a range of football-related programs designed to provide positive change for local children and adults. Liverpool has teamed with the Premier Skills’ Gocekz Project in Jakarta "to continue providing support long after the squad has returned to England" from its Asian tour (SOCCEREX, 7/22). ... FC Barcelona has announced an agreement with the promoter of the club's friendly against Polish club Lechia Gdansk, which was scheduled for last Saturday but delayed when Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova stepped down Friday due to illness. The game will now be played on July 30 at 8:45pm local time (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 7/22). ... Yair Clavijo, an 18-year-old footballer, died of cardiac arrest on Sunday at the end of a game between Peruvian clubs Sporting Cristal and Real Garcilosa. The game was played in Cuzco, Peru at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level (EP, 7/22).
