The World Surf League has changed its structure on the American continent and created a Latin American office that links the South American office to the Central American office. It remains to be confirmed whether it will also include the Caribbean region, the WSL reported in a statement and confirmed by a source close to the organization.

The statement sent last Friday reports that Brazilian Iván Martinho, a former Fox Sports executive, is the new general manager and that the former head of the WSL in the region, Xandi Fontes, has become regional vice president.

Among other things, this will mean that the consecration of the regional title will now expand the number of participating countries and make it much more competitive, adding powers such as Costa Rica to the fight.

“I am a big sports fan and over the last 10 years I have had the opportunity to be directly involved in most of the major events in the region such as the FIFA World Cup in 2014, the Copa America in Chile in 2015, the Rio Olympics in 2016,” Martinho said.

"Surfing is a sport that is growing globally and Latin America is no exception. I see a great opportunity with athletes, media partners and sponsors to position ourselves as one of the most desired and respected sports in the region," he added.

“Signing someone of Ivan’s caliber complements the stellar team we have in the region,” said WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “His track record is ideal for advancing our mission to maximize the interest we are seeing. The recent Oi Rio Pro was one of the most successful CT events we have ever had.”