The head of Brazil’s soccer federation resigned on Monday two years before the South American country hosts the World Cup, putting an end to a 23-year career marked by an unmatched championship record over that period and accusations of corruption off the field. He is replaced by his deputy chief Jose Maria Marin, a former governor of Sao Paulo.
Bolivian President Evo Morales defended Bolivians' right to chew coca leaves, the main ingredient of cocaine, on Monday, saying it was an ancient tradition and the world's No. 3 cocaine producer was working to fight drug trafficking.
Italy is in recession, final data confirmed Monday. Italy's economy shrank 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011, following a 0.2% decline in GDP in the third quarter.