SAO PAULO — A group of Brazilian athletes is condemning the appointment of a new sports minister who has very little background in sports, saying the ministry is being used merely for “political bargaining.” The non-governmental organization Athletes For Brazil said Monday it was “disappointed” with last week's decision by President Dilma Rousseff to replace Aldo Rebelo with George Hilton, who describes himself as a radio and television presenter, as well as a theologian. Rebelo, the government official in charge of Brazil's World Cup preparations, is leaving to lead the Science, Technology and Innovation ministry. Hilton will now be in charge of helping organize the 2016 Rio Olympics. — AP
