New Samara stadium site gets FIFA approval
December 19 – FIFA have given the greenlight to the relocation of the stadium in the Russian city of Samara which is slated to host the 2018 World Cup.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Zenit fans call for exclusion of non-white and gay players
By Andrew Warshaw
December 19 – Just when football authorities round the world are striving to eradicate homophobia and racism, supporters of Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg have demanded non-white and gay players be excluded from the team.
FIFA promises ‘comprehensive’ Brazilian security plan after Sao Paolo final abandoned
By Mark Baber
December 19 – The war of words following the abandonment of the Copa Sudamerica final in Sao Paolo overshadowed the handing over of the state-of-the-art Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on Sunday, and any publicity coup for Brazilian World Cup organisers.