Blatter re-iterates zero tolerance on racism and tough punishment
By Andrew Warshaw
April 9 – FIFA have been quick to dispel any suggestion that Sepp Blatter has eased his hardline stance against racism.
FIFA
FIFA steps in to support for South African match-fixing enquiry
By Andrew Warshaw
April 9 – The match-fixing scandal that has rocked South African football because it directly involves the national team, is to be investigated by an three-man independent team – backed by FIFA.
Latecomer GoalControl crosses finishing line first for Confederations Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
April 3 – The last will be first and the first will be last may have biblical origins but FIFA have applied the exact same philosophy to its decision to hand the landmark contract for goalline technology at this summer’s forthcoming Confederations Cup to the German company GoalControl.
Wrage speaks out against the ‘watered down’ reform package
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – FIFA’s reform process, designed to bring about proper transparency and accountability, continues to receive negative publicity, with one of its leading advisers now accusing the organisation of “neutering” the originally suggested measures for much-needed change.
FIFA prepares referees for Brazil 2014 World Cup
March 27 – As the Ralf Willi cartoon pictured here says, the referees take this seriously (personally) as well. FIFA is running a series of seminars for prospective referees and assistant referees in April in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Costa Rica appeal for replay of US 2014 qualifier turned down
March 27 – Costa Rica’s protest to FIFA over being forced to play their World Cup qualifier against the United States in a snowstorm has been thrown out on a technicality, a ruling that seems certain to incense the central American country.
Russians warm up for 2018 with 2014 fan fests in host cities
March 26 – Russian World Cup organisers are planning to stage fan fests across the country during next year’s tournament in Brazil – four years before their own event.
Artificial turf for women’s world cup sparks player protests
By Andrew Warshaw
March 26 – The next Women’s World Cup will make history as the first major FIFA trophy to be decided on artificial turf – but leading players have been quick to express their disapproval.
Michael Riehl, senior VP global brand and sports relations, adidas, dies
March 26 – One of football’s most well known and influential figures, Michael Riehl, the Senior Vice President Global Brand and Sports Relations for adidas, died unexpectedly on Sunday in Germany at the age of 56.
FIFA to review Costa Rica’s demand for replay of 2014 qualifier vs US
By Andrew Warshaw
March 26 – FIFA are studying a demand by Costa Rica to replay last week’s controversial World Cup qualifier against the United States – played in a snowstorm. While Northern Ireland’s game with Russia was twice postponed because of adverse weather conditions, the CONCACAF qualifier went ahead with the USA winning 1-0 in Colorado.
Dodd welcomes FIFA move to open up more women’s ExCo positions
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
March 25 – Three of the four women chasing a spot on FIFA’s executive committee could end up sharing the top table of football’s world governing body.
News Analysis: the perception and reality of FIFA reform
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
March 22 – It was the briefest of interventions but it provided a telling insight into the tensions of the previous two days and the current state of play.
‘Enough is enough…’, racism must stop and punishment get tougher
Exclusive: By Osasu Obayiuwana
March 21 – FIFA president Sepp Blatter has told InsideWorldFootball that confronting the growing scourge of racism in the sport is one of the last major challenges confronting his presidency. “I am going to tackle this with all my tenacity, my fighting character,” Blatter said, on the eve of the CAF Congress in Morocco earlier this month.
FIFA confirms World Cup draw dates and times
March 20 – FIFA has confirmed the date for the draw for the 2014 World Cup finals as December 6 this year.
Blatter reassures on Brazil readiness as ExCo gathers for crucial meetings
By Andrew Warshaw
March 20 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has again issued a firm assurance that Brazil will be ready to host the 2014 World Cup. On the eve of one of FIFA’s most far-reaching executive committee meetings, Blatter met Brazil’s sports minister and FIFA’s World Cup organizing committee on Tuesday.