Brazil federation cautiously backs new cup contest

By Andrew Downie SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The Brazilian Football Confederation gave its qualified blessing to a new cup competition of 12 teams on Tuesday, but the tournament's future remains in doubt as clubs and federations debate its dates and format. Although the four big Sao Paulo sides have opted out, clubs from Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre and Belo Horizonte have signed up for the 2016 Copa Sul-Minas-Rio, along with others from the southern states of Parana and Santa Catarina. "The CBF will