Warner renews Blatter hostilities
By David Gold
December 26 – Former CONCACAF chief Jack Warner has launched a new attack on Sepp Blatter, in which he accuses the FIFA President of “megalomania, covert racism and discrimination”.
Archive
World Cup winner wants Qatar 2022 switched to winter
By David Gold
December 26 – Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro says that the 2022 World Cup, being held by Qatar, should be held in the winter because of the intense heat.
African Nations Cup preparations disrupted for Senegal and Equatorial Guinea
By David Gold
December 26 – Ahead of next month’s African Nations Cup, Group A rivals Senegal and Equatorial Guinea, who co-host the tournament with Gabon, are in turmoil due to political disputes over their national coaches.
No celebrations as Australia’s Football Federation reaches 100 years
By David Gold
December 26 – Australia’s football pioneers have been acclaimed at the 100th anniversary of the formation of the country’s national governing body.
Wambach becomes first footballer to claim AP Athlete of the Year prize
By David Gold
December 25 – American star Abby Wambach has become the first footballer to win the Associated Press Athlete of the Year prize after her performances at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany.
Chelsea decide against tribute for captain John Terry
By Declan Warrington
December 24 – Chelsea have confirmed that they will not emulate Liverpool’s tribute to the forward Luis Suarez and will decline to wear T-shirts to support their captain, John Terry.
Neil Lennon won’t prevent London 2012 Olympic call-ups
By David Gold
December 23 – Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed that Scott Brown, James Forrest and Adam Matthews have been lined up to play for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games and says he will not stand in their way if they are selected and want to go.
Russian billionaire buys controlling stake in troubled AS Monaco
By David Gold
December 23 – AS Monaco were given a timely boost when Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev acquired a controlling stake in the struggling Principality club.
Horace Burrell to be appointed at CFU despite cash-for-votes scandal
By Andrew Warshaw
December 23 – Horace Burrell, the most high-profile Caribbean official sanctioned over the cash-for-votes scandal that led to the downfall of Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner, is to take up a prominent position in a revamped Caribbean Football Union (CFU).
Guinness agrees two-year extension of Nigeria sponsorship
By David Gold
December 22 – Guinness has signed a two-year extension to its sponsorship of Nigerian football and hopes that its support can help restore the fortunes of the national team.
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez appeals eight-game racism ban
By Andrew Warshaw
December 22 – The Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, as expected, has decided to appeal against his eight-game ban for allegedly racially abusing the Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, according to the his lawyer.
Phone call settles French race row
By David Gold
December 22 – It may have been with a phone call rather than a handshake, but Auxerre midfielder Kamel Chafni and French assistant referee Johann Perruaux have done as FIFA President Sepp Blatter advised, and settled a race row between themselves after a league game.
Uruguay leap to Suarez’s defence amid racism charge
By David Gold
December 21 – Uruguay’s National Sport Director Ernesto Irureta has vehemently defended Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after the forward was hit with an eight game ban after being found guilty of using language toward Manchester United defender Patrice Evra which the Football Association (FA) said was “insulting” and made reference to the Frenchman’s colour.
England captain to face criminal charges over alleged racist abuse
By Andrew Warshaw
December 21 – After weeks of mounting interest, England and Chelsea captain John Terry learned today that he is to face a criminal charge of using racist language during a Premier League game.
Manchester United launches Mumbai Soccer School
By David Gold
December 21 – Manchester United has launched a soccer school in Mumbai, India, after linking up with the Western India Football Association (WIFA).