Gabon win hosting of 2017 African Cup of Nations
By Andrew Warshaw
April 9 – Gabon have been chosen to host the seemingly perennially troubled Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 as a replacement for war-torn Libya who withdrew last year.
News
Figo draws on his experience to claim not all of CAF backs Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
April 9 – FIFA presidential outsider Luis Figo is disputing the claim that the whole of Africa will back Sepp Blatter in next month’s election.
Man Utd to take Live roadshow to Beijing
April 9 – Manchester United have announced a new date for their United:LIVE roadshow, this time in Beijing, China, on April 26.
Twitter stats: Man Utd accelerate growth, Man City lose even more ground
By Paul Nicholson
April 9 – The trends of the previous six weeks were followed last week with no change in the Insideworldfootball table of Premier League club Twitter followers. Manchester United again surged forward to continue their standout gains against their rivals as they chase the total number of followers to overtake Arsenal and Chelsea who head them in the overall table.
UEFA sanctions Montenegro and hands Euro points to Russia
April 9 – UEFA have awarded Russia a 3-0 walkover win over Montenegro following the abandonment of their Euro 2016 qualifier that saw Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev felled soon after kickoff when struck on the head by a flare.
Palestine/Israel stand off: can Blatter find a way out of nomansland?
April 9 – Sepp Blatter has given a strong indication that he will oppose a Palestinian bid to throw Israel out of FIFA. At this stage it appears Blatter is still hopeful of finding a mediated solution, despite the frustration of the Palestinians and the intransigence of the Israelis.
Russia set to cut $502m from hotel build for 2018 World Cup
By Mark Baber
April 8 – Despite encouraging signs of resilience in the economy, Russia looks poised to cut back on the number of hotels built specifically for the 2018 World Cup, following the publication of a consultation document by the Sports Ministry.
Hayatou backs Blatter and flexes muscle for another term as CAF chief
By Andrew Warshaw
April 8 – Any concerns Sepp Blatter may have had that his solid support base in Africa could be in danger of waning as he bids for a fifth term of office have been swept away. As expected, African Football Confederation chief Issa Hayatou pledged his members’ total backing for Blatter at this week’s CAF Congress.
Dyke hands back watch in time to clear FIFA ethics investigation
April 8 – The so-called ‘Watch-gate’ saga is back in the news again with FIFA announcing no action is being taken against English FA chairman Greg Dyke.
Oyston left with egg on his face after Blackpool tumble to tier 3
April 8 – English football fans are normally pretty restrained when it comes to protesting about the actions of those who run their clubs.
You don’t win anything with kids in Europe. Big 5 league clubs spurn U23s
April 8 – New data from the CIES Football Observatory shows the dependence of Europe’s clubs from the Big 5 leagues of England, Germany, France, Spain and Italy on clubs outside their leagues to develop players.
Racist Torpedo Moscow handed 2 match closed-door sanction for Nazi banner
By Andrew Warshaw
April 8 – Dubbed Russia’s most aggressive club, Torpedo Moscow have been found guilty of racism yet again, this time for displaying a Nazi symbol during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Arsenal Tula.
CONCACAF debut goalkeeping course in St Kitts
April 8 – CONCACAF continued with the development of their coaching courses, holding their first Goalkeeping course at the end of last month in St Kitts & Nevis.
Insulting banners force Serie A to close part of Roma’s Stadio Olimpico
April 8 – Roma have been ordered to close part of their stadium at their next home game after fans displayed banners mocking the mother of a Napoli fan who died following clashes between rival supporters last year.
Man Utd team with Aon for affinity product into Pakistan market
April 8 – Manchester United have extended their partnership with insurance giant Aon into the Pakistan market with an insurance affinity programme, the first in the region.