AFC expands Asian Cup to 24 but drops Challenge Cup
April 20 – Asian football’s flagship tournament, the Asian Cup, is being expanded in 2019 from 16 to 24 teams, abandoning the lower-level Challenge Cup in the process.
Archive
FIFA sticks with Panini and EA Sports as 2014 roll out gathers pace
By Mark Baber
April 17 – This week has seen the launch of the Panini Online Sticker Album for the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted on FIFA.com in association with presenting partner Coca-Cola, and the roll-out of the official video game for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, published by EA Sports for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Atlanta secures MLS franchise and plans 2017 start
April 17 – The MLS has added a 22nd franchise in Atlanta. The team will play its first season in 2017 in a 29,000 capacity stadium it will share with NFL team the Atlanta Falcons, Both franchises are owned by Arthur Blank.
Man City squad tops rich list with world’s highest average wage
April 17 – In a week when financial fair play (FFP) came under renewed scrutiny, Manchester City have emerged as the best paid squad in global sport, according to a new study.
Ali slams Salman for playing personal politics and neglecting the real football issues
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
April 17 – The festering divisions that have characterised Asian football in recent months have exploded into open warfare between the Continent’s two most prominent officials.
Pogon Szczecin eyes new stadium with Europa League on its mind
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
April 17 – Pogon Szczecin is planning to either modernise its stadium or build a new facility, according to Jaroslaw Mroczek, the chief executive of the Polish club.
Brazil federation elects new chief for 2015 succession
April 17 – Brazilian football has elected a new president – but not until after the World Cup. Jose Maria Marin will be replaced in 2015 by current vice president and sole candidate for the job, Marco Polo Del Nero (pictured).
Beckham’s Miami stadium plans meet renewed local opposition
April 17 – David Beckham’s dreams of starting a new football franchise in the United States have suffered their first wobble.
Warner screams foul as politicians raise alarm bells over Trinidad centre
April 18 – The dispute over the ownership of the Trinidad centre of excellence currently held by former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has become a point of political contention in Trinidad government politics with Warner saying the issue is being driven on to the political agenda by Trinidad’s Attorney General.
Sofia settle outstanding 2013 debts and wages to retain club license
By Alexander Krassimirov
April 17 – Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia has repaid debts in excess of 1 million leva (€500,000) in order to meet club license requirements. The debts were accumulated under the former ownership of Titan AS.
ReportCalcio” provides a comprehensive overview of trend in Italian football
By Mark Baber
April 16- The fourth edition of the “ReportCalcio” has been unveiled by the FIGC in Rome revealing a continuing downward trend in stadium income whilst television revenues increase.
Next few months critical for FFP, says London lawyer
By Andrew Warshaw
April 16- As the Uefa panel responsible for policing financial fair play entered the second of a key two-day meeting today to examine which clubs were still in breach, a London-based specialist has warned that unless Europe’s governing body shows sufficient teeth, its strict cost-control rules may still be flouted.
Refs need to control their emotions too, says Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
April 16- Sepp Blatter says referees too often go over the top in the way they caution and send off players, sometimes inflaming incidents in the process.
World Cup in big demand despite logistical problems
By Andrew Warshaw
April 16- Whatever problems organisers might be encountering getting Brazil ready for the World Cup ticket sales continue to soar.
Arena Corinthians shoots for one test event pre-June World Cup kick off
April 16- Officials responsible for the stadium hosting the opening game of the World Cup concede there is still considerable work to do before the arena is ready.