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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Forget Stocks: Invest in Soccer

Brazilian companies bank on young talent

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(Newser) – The hottest new commodity in Brazil is its soccer stars, and investors are taking note. Companies like Traffic are buying up the contracts of the next wave of potential Ronaldinhos and then lending their acquisitions out to poor but visible Brazilian teams. When European leagues come knocking with huge offers, the investors then cash in, explains the New York Times.

Despite 150% returns, there are obstacles. FIFA doesn't allow third-party involvement in player transfers, and fans don't like the idea that their beloved players will be shipped off the moment their talent begins to blossom. But businesses like Traffic have found loopholes in FIFA regulations, and argue that small-town teams would be trading breakout players anyway.

Brazil's Sao Paulo's Breno, left, went to German team Bayern Munich for $19 million, with a big chunk of that money going to the company that owned his contract.
Brazil's Sao Paulo's Breno, left, went to German team Bayern Munich for $19 million, with a big chunk of that money going to the company that owned his contract.   (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
Brazilian soccer player Diego of German first division club SV Werder Bremen runs in northern Germany. With more Brazilian players like him getting big contracts, investors are taking notice.
Brazilian soccer player Diego of German first division club SV Werder Bremen runs in northern Germany. With more Brazilian players like him getting big contracts, investors are taking notice.   (AP Photo/Focke Strangmann)
Ecuador's Vicente Ambrossi, left, fights for the ball with Brazil's Fluminense's Dodo during the Copa Libertadores final soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, July 2 , 2008.
Ecuador's Vicente Ambrossi, left, fights for the ball with Brazil's Fluminense's Dodo during the Copa Libertadores final soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, July 2 , 2008.   (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
Brazil's Fluminense's Gabriel practices during a training session in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. More international clubs are setting their sights on Brazilian players.
Brazil's Fluminense's Gabriel practices during a training session in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. More international clubs are setting their sights on Brazilian players.   (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
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ANALYSIS

 US Finally Buying 
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Viewership is soaring ahead of all-star game

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(Newser) - After years of intermittent sniffling, Americans may finally be catching soccer fever, the Wall Street Journal reports: Some 4 million watched the US men’s team almost beat Brazil last month; some 2 million are likely to attend games featuring top European teams this summer; Seattle’s Major League Soccer... More »

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 South Africa Proves 
 World Cup Ready 

Critics hushed by successful Confederations Cup

Jul 1, 09 4:50 PM CDT
(Newser) - With the just-completed Confederations Cup a success, South Africa has passed its dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup, Nicolas Brulliard writes for GlobalPost. The African nation faced more scrutiny than any previous host, but that now appears overblown. Enthusiastic fans turned up despite the winter chill, and the nation’... More »

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(AP) - Brazil’s “Beautiful Game” came alive in the second half today with three comeback goals in a 3-2 win over the upstart United States in the Confederations Cup final. Luis Fabiano scored two of the goals and Lucio added the third in the 84th minute to give Brazil its... More »

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OPINION

Stunning US Soccer Upset Matches 'Miracle on Ice'

Underdog US team's surprise win over Spain is a victory to be savored

Jun 25, 09 1:55 AM CDT
(Newser) - Last night's stunning soccer victory over Spain by the US team ranks up there with 1980's "Miracle on Ice" Olympic defeat of the Russians as one of the greatest upsets ever pulled off by Americans, George Vecsey writes in the New York Times. The Confederations Cup victory over the... More »

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 In Myanmar, 
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But is it just an opiate for the masses?

Jun 23, 09 11:04 AM CDT
(Newser) - Myanmar has had something to cheer about lately, the Wall Street Journal reports. In a country where gatherings of more than five people are officially illegal and free speech is nonexistent, the Myanmar National League has been drawing huge crowds of screaming fans. Launched in May, it’s the... More »

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