Brasileiro side Chapecoense announced its "first signings since the tragic plane crash that resulted in the death of a majority" of its squad, according to Amitai Winehouse of the London DAILY MAIL. Atlético Mineiro "loaned attacking midfielder Dodo to their fellow Brazilian side for a year with absolutely no cost for the agreement." Atlético and Chapecoense will "split Dodo's wages for the year." Dodo, who represented Figueirense last season on loan, was "apparently a target" for Chapecoense prior to the accident that killed 19 players. Chapecoense also signed 21-year-old goalkeeper Elias from third-tier side Juventude and Douglas Grolli from Cruzeiro (DAILY MAIL, 12/21).
BOLIVIAN BLAME: ESPN.com reported a Bolivian government report said that "the plane crash that killed 19 players of Brazilian club Chapecoense was the fault of the pilot and the LaMia airline." The pilot, Miguel Quiroga, was one of 71 people to die in the incident. Bolivia's Minister of Public Works & Services Milton Claros said, "What has happened in this tragic event is the direct responsibility of the LaMia company and the pilot." Claros also said that his ministry would prosecute some public servants over "some omissions that have occurred," including Celia Castedo, an air navigation officer who has sought asylum in Brazil after pointing out irregularities in the flight plan (ESPN.com, 12/20).
