Seven teams to battle in Oceania’s Olympic men’s football qualifiers
By David Gold
March 15 – Oceania’s Olympic men’s football qualifiers get underway tomorrow in New Zealand, with seven teams battling for one spot at London 2012.
News
Brazilian Football Confederation announces names of 52 London 2012 hopefuls
By David Gold
March 15 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has released a list of 52 players, including Ronaldinho, Neymar and Dani Alves, longlisted to play for the country during the London 2012 Olympic Games men’s football tournament.
Japan and United Arab Emirates qualify for London 2012 men’s Olympic football
By David Gold
March 14 – Japan and the United Arab Emirates both booked places at the London 2012 Olympic Games men’s football tournament, though their fortunes differed wildly during the final round of group games in the third phase of Asian qualifiers.
Gazprom Neft secures news sponsorship deal with Zenit St Petersburg
By David Gold
March 15 – Gazprom Neft has sealed a new $20 million (£12.7 million/€15 million) sponsorship deal with the Russian Premier League champions Zenit St Petersburg.
I was duped into selling to Whyte, insists Former Rangers owner Sir David Murray
By David Gold
March 15 – Former Glasgow Rangers owner Sir David Murray (pictured) has admitted he was “duped” into selling the club to Craig Whyte.
Pelé to attend reconciliation meeting with FIFA’s Blatter and Brazilian President Rousseff
By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – In a clever diplomatic move, Pelé (pictured), Brazil’s greatest ever footballing icon, will attend Friday’s clear-the-air talks between FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff following the recent row over the 2014 World Cup preparations.
Premier League chair Sir Dave Richards apologises after day of gaffes
By Tom Degun at the International Sport Security Conference in Doha
March 15 – English Premier League chairman Sir David Richards (pictured) has formally apologised for his surprising antics that took place here yesterday that saw him accuse FIFA and UEFA of stealing football in England before rather symbolically ending the day by falling into a swimming pool.
Exclusive: Britain’s FIFA vice-president stunned by Premier League chair’s untimely outburst
By Andrew Warshaw
March 15 – Britain’s FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce (pictured) has vowed to try and limit the damage following English Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards’ extraordinary outburst accusing FIFA and UEFA of “stealing” football away from England.
Premier League chairman makes a massive splash in Doha
By Tom Degun at the International Sport Security Conference in Doha
March 14 – English Premier League chairman Sir David Richards has caused outrageous scenes here at the International Sport Security Conference as he attacked FIFA and UEFA for stealing football in England before bizarrely ending the day by falling into a swimming pool to put himself even further in the spotlight.
Top Australian players of all time span six decades, says poll
By Emily Goddard
March 14 – Australia’s top 16 footballers span six decades and several generations of the game, with the likes of Joe Marston (pictured), Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano making up the top players, according to a poll conducted to celebrate the centenary of organised football in Australia.
Portuguese Premier League approves expansion to 18 teams
By David Gold
March 14 – Portugal’s Premier League will expand to 18 teams from next season, the country’s Professional Football League (LPFP) has announced.
New CBF President Marin quashes hopes of a Brazilian football revolution
By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – The new head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), José Maria Marin (pictured), has dampened hopes of a fresh beginning for his country’s much-maligned administration by insisting he will not resort to wholesale changes following the resignation of Ricardo Teixeira.
Alcohol must be available at Qatar 2022 World Cup to avoid boycotts, warns Premier League chairman
By Tom Degun at the International Sport Security Conference in Doha
March 14 – Alcohol must be made widely available to fans during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar or they will end up boycotting the event, English Premier League chairman Sir David Richards has warned here today.
FIFA boss Blatter and Brazilian President Rousseff hold meeting to patch things up
By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – Sepp Blatter (pictured left) will meet Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (right) on Friday (March 16) for clear-the-air talks following the recent spat over 2014 World Cup preparations.
Ricardo Teixeira to keep seat on FIFA Executive Committee
By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – Ricardo Teixeira (pictured) is to keep his place as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee despite having quit as President of both the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Brazil 2014.