Brazil ditch badge from Games kit

Ronaldinho sporting the kit in question

Brazil have been forced to change their kit for the rest of the Beijing Games because of concerns it could affect Rio de Janeiro's bid for the 2016 Olympics.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules ban nations wearing emblems of confederations on their shirts.

Brazil's official Nike strip has such a badge on it, prompting a redesign for both the men's and women's sides.

Rio de Janeiro is vying with Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid to be named 2016 hosts when the IOC decides in October 2009.

"The IOC determines that we shouldn't use any national identification in the jersey, only the colours of the country and the Olympic arcs, and we are abiding by this decision," said Brazil sports minister Orlando Silva.

Star player and men's captain Ronaldinho said it was right that the badge, which marks five victories at the World Cup, was removed.

"All the players and the Brazilian people are proud of the jersey with the five stars on it.

"We could still wear it, but if it gets in the way of Brazil's bid to host the 2016 Olympics, we have to understand it and accept it."

Brazil will still wear a Nike jersey, but without the confederation's badge, as both sides attempt to win gold for the first time.