Bogotá, Colombia Mayor Gustavo Petro said that "at least eight people died during a celebration of Colombia's 2-0 win over Uruguay on Saturday." Petro tweeted on Sunday, "Es muy malo balance de celebración del partido ayer en Bogotá. En breve se expedirá comunicado de datos. En hospitales murieron 8 personas" ("The result from the celebration yesterday in Bogotá is very bad. Shortly a statement with facts will be issued. 8 people died in hospitals") (EL PERIODICO, 6/29). ... FIFA said that the Brazil national team's spokesperson "has been given a one-match ban for his role in a flare-up in the tunnel at half-time during the World Cup last 16 match against Chile on Saturday." FIFA said that "the punishment was automatically applied" after Rodrigo Paiva was sent off by the match referee. The case is being considered by FIFA's disciplinary committee, "which could hit Paiva with a longer ban" (REUTERS, 6/30). ... Former Mexican football player Javier Aguirre "is to become Japan’s new coach following the resignation of Alberto Zaccheroni." The Japan FA "refused to confirm the Mexican’s appointment on Monday and said no formal decision has been made," but Nikkansports newspaper reported Aguirre is expected to travel to Japan in July to sign a £1.45M ($2.5M)-a-year deal that would run through to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 55-year-old "guided Mexico to the last 16 at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and left Espanyol following the conclusion of the La Liga season in May" (AP, 6/30). ... Italy’s failure at this summer’s World Cup could cost it as much as €56M ($77M). La Repubblica claimed that "several sponsors are set to end their link with the national team" after its elimination. A number of brands "are thought to have become disillusioned" with Italy’s performances, and therefore do not want to maintain their link with the side (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 6/30).
