Irish positive about joining a five-nation bid for 2030 World Cup
December 3 – The United Kingdom and Ireland may be inching closer towards a joint-bid for the 2030 World Cup after a positive feasibility study.
FIFA
FIFA mop up more outstanding business with life ban for Teixeira
November 29 – It has taken several years to punish him but although US authorities have not yet been able to, FIFA finally has.
Life for a life? FIFA gives murderous war criminal Ngaissona six year ban
November 29 – Almost a year after French authorities handed leading African football administrator Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face war crimes, FIFA have banned him for six years and eight months.
IFAB to head-scratch again on concussion protocols
November 28 – Rugby-style temporary substitutions for players suspected of being concussed look like being introduced for the first time at next summer’s Euro 2020.
Human Rights Watch accuses FIFA of ‘double-standards’ over CWC award to China
November 28 – A leading human rights organisation has denounced FIFA for awarding its inaugural expanded Club World Cup to China, saying football’s world governing body has totally ignored “serious human rights violations” in the country and is guilty of double standards by disregarding its own much-trumpeted policy.
Brazil defeat the form book and Mexico to take U-17 world title
By Samindra Kunti in Brasilia
November 18 – Brazil have won the U-17 World Cup on home soil, coming from behind to defeat Mexico 2-1 in dramatic style, a considerable feat as the Brazilians had initially failed to qualify for the tournament. Substitute Lazaro was Brazil’s hero again with a 93rd-minute winner.
FIFA’s Infantino backs new World Club organisation at founding event in Zurich
November 18 – With debate over the format of the 2021 Club World Cup guaranteed to dominate headlines over the next two years, FIFA hosted the inauguration of a new club organisation in Zurich last week.
Exclusive: Blatter fury at Platini’s ‘bogus’ book claim he voted for Qatar for 2022
By Andrew Warshaw
November 15 – Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hit back at Michel Platini’s claim that he voted for Qatar to stage the 2022 World Cup, saying Platini’s recollection of events is “totally untue” and that he backed the losing United States bid.
Brazil surprise France to set up U-17 World Cup final with Mexico
By Samindra Kunti in Sao Paulo
November 15 – In a dramatic semi-final Brazil upset favourites France 3-2 to reach the final of the U-17 World Cup on home soil against Mexico. The Mexicans eliminated Holland after a penalty shoot-out.
Wenger takes on technical development role at FIFA
By Andrew Warshaw
November 14 – After all manner of rumour about where he might up next, Arsene Wenger is finally returning to the game, not in dugout as most anticipated but as FIFA’s new chief of global football development.
US prison dodger Burga falls foul of FIFA Ethics with life ban and $1m fine
November 13 – Manuel Burga, the Conmebol bigwig acquitted in the United States two years ago for his alleged role in the FifaGate scandal, has been banned for life by FIFA for taking bribes.
U-17 World Cup: Brazil and France set up semi-final clash of the giants
By Samindra Kunti in Sao Paulo
November 12 – Brazil have set up a mouth-watering semi-final with France following a 2-0 win over Italy in the last eight of the U-17 World Cup. The French demolished Spain 6-1 in their semi.
Valcke appeals to European Court of Human Rights for help to overturn his ban
By Andrew Warshaw
November 12 – Just over a year after being hammered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Jerome Valcke, the forgotten man of world football mismanagement, is refusing to give up and is reported to be going to the European Court of Human Rights in a final attempt to have his 10-year ban from the game overturned and clear his name.
Nigeria in pole position to host U-20 Women’s World Cup
November 11 – The Nigerian FA says it is favourite to land Africa’s first ever Under-20 Women’s World Cup next year following a visit by a FIFA inspection team back in August.
FIFA bans Tanzania’s Malinzi for 10 years for misappropriating funds
November 11 – Yet another African footballing figure has found himself out guilty of corruption and kicked out, with former Tanzanian FA chief Jamal Emil Malinzi banned for 10 years by FIFA.