UEFA caught between a rock and a hard place on Gibraltar

Gibraltar

By Mark Baber
April 4 – As the UEFA Congress vote in May on Gibraltar’s football status nears, the Spanish Government has declared that it will back the Spanish Football Federation in trying to block Gibraltar’s full membership. In answer to questions from Ezquerra Republicana de Cataluña (ERC) representative Alfred Bosch in the Madrid Cortes, a Spanish government spokesman said: “At this point in time, the Government does not consider the possible staging of official football matches between Spain and Gibraltar.

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US Soccer kicks off Centennial Week at the NYSE

NYSE closing bell ringing by USSF

By Mark Baber
April 3 – US Soccer yesterday kicked off its Centennial Week by ringing the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell, with commemoration events planned for the rest of the week including the 2013 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Class, soccer in New York’s Times Square and a Women’s National Team Watch Party on Friday.

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Palestine gets $4.5m financial boost to build facilities

palestinian football

By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – Palestinian football is to receive a major injection of support from FIFA as it strives to enhance its development despite continuing conflict and hardship in the war-torn region. FIFA are donating a $4.5m grant which Palestinian officials hope will change the global view of the area and promote football as a tool for change.

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FIFA caution South Africans about government interference in football

south african football

By Andrew Warshaw
April 1 – FIFA have written to the South African government warning them against a judicial inquiry into the country’s recent match-fixing scandal, insisting the matter must be handled by the football authorities. Government interference in football, typically frequent in Africa and Asia, is banned by FIFA who have not been afraid to issue to warnings and sanctions.

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World Exclusive: Qatar to acquire Jersey, relocate World Cup

jersey cows

Doha, April 1, 2013 – In a surprise move, Qatar has announced the imminent purchase of Jersey, a Bailiwick of HM The Queen, and declare it a “Qatar Overseas Territory” (similar to the French equivalents of Guadeloupe and Martinique, both of which are “Départements d’Outre-mer” – Overseas Departments of France).

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