Brazil's New Player

Gustavo Morinigo (L), of Colombia's Deportivo Cali, fights for the ball with Argentina's Javier Mascherano (R), of Brazil's Corinthians.

Mauricio Lima / AFP / Getty

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But then--trouble, both on and off the field. Corinthians president Alberto Dualib fueled speculation that Joorabchian had ties with a Russian tycoon wanted in Russia for alleged financial fraud. Elimination from the Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition, led to violent protests by fans. Hundreds of supporters rioted, invading the pitch and threatening Joorabchian and even throwing bombs at Dualib's home. It's not the first time fans have rioted, and it certainly won't be the last. But Joorabchian has set a new direction, and he insists that "there is a big potential financially in this country." And for now, like his club's most ardent fans, he admits that Corinthians is his life.