In this week’s roundup… Venezuela’s National Assembly passes a controversial Sports Law which squeezes the private sector by imposing an additional tax on their gross revenues; Chávez prepares for a new round of chemotherapy; Canadian mining company Gold Reserve Inc. raises its claim against the Chávez government; inflations rises to 25%; up to 40% of Venezuela’s inmates could be freed; and the ties between Iran and Venezuela continue to grow.

Soccer-Venezuela courts controversy with sports law, Reuters

Venezuela is on collision course with world soccer governing body FIFA and the International Olympic Commission after its parliament approved a controversial sports law that threatens the autonomy of its sports federations.

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez seeks aid from indigenous deities to help him survive cancer, The Washington Post via AP

President Hugo Chavez told a gathering of soldiers Thursday that he’s seeking divine support from the indigenous deities and spirits of Venezuela’s central plains to help him survive cancer.

Gold Reserves Inc raises claim against Venezuela, International Business Times

Canadian mining company Gold Reserve Inc said on Monday it has raised the amount it is claiming from Venezuela for seizing its two gold projects to $2.1 billion from $1.9 billion.

Venezuela’s annual inflation tops 25 percent, Bloomberg Businessweek via AP

Venezuelan officials say the country’s annual inflation rate has risen to 25.1 percent.

The Central Bank and the National Statistics Institute record a 2.7 percent rise in prices during July.

Report: Venezuela could release up to 40% of its prisoners, CNN

Venezuela’s new prisons minister believes that 40% of the country’s inmates do not belong behind bars, the El Nacional newspaper reported. The newspaper published an interview with Iris Varela on Sunday, in which she outlined her vision to fix the country’s overcrowded prison system

Venezuela Signs $1 Billion Deal with Iran to Build Houses, The Wall Street Journal

Venezuela signed a $1 billion deal with Iran to build 10,000 houses in the South American country, according to a statement on the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry’s website.

Source: Gaddafi wants Chávez to help sell oil, The Miami Herald

A Libyan delegation visited Venezuela over the weekend to seek help in selling Libyan oil on the international market, according to intelligence sources.