By David Owen in Johannesburg
June 15 – Australia pulled out of the race for the 2018 World Cup at the right time, according to Frank Lowy, chairman of Football Federation Australia (FFA).
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 15 – Russia had two volumes of its bid book for the 2018 World Cup stolen during a special Expo held attended by Romam Abramovich and David Beckham in Johannesburg last week, they have revealed.
By David Owen in Johannesburg
June 15 – Frank Lowy (pictured left) would have no problem with West Ham United setting up shop in the Olympic stadium – provided supporters do not invade parking spaces intended for shoppers at the new Westfield Stratford mall.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 15 – England 2018 have removed Robbie Earle’s name from its list of high-profile supporters after he was fired today by ITV for violating FIFA’s ticket regulations at the World Cup in South Africa.
June 15 – The USA Bid Committee has announced that Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman will join its board of directors in its quest to bring the World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.
June 15 – London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured left) will tonight leave for Cape Town to attend the FIFA World Cup and learn lessons from South Africa on how to run a major international sporting event.
By David Owen in Johannesburg
June 14 – Franz Beckenbauer (pictured), the FIFA Executive Committee member and former German captain, has entered the growing debate over vuvuzelas at the 2010 World Cup.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 14 – Chung Mong-joon has resigned as chairman of South Korea’s Grand National Party (GNP), allowing him more time to lobby on behalf of his country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
June 14 – England’s away games in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports, it has been announced.
June 14 – Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler (pictured) has launched a legal action against North Queensland Fury and Football Federation Australia (FFA).
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June 14 – FIFA has signed a deal with Asia’s broadcasters so that North Korean television can air its first match in the World Cup finals for 44 years tomorrow.
By David Owen at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
June 13 – Tonight at a little before 6pm in Pretoria, one-time citadel of Boer power, the 2010 World Cup came alive.
June 13 – Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of South Africa 2010, has admitted that he would rather fans sung than blew the vuvuzela at World Cup matches after international broadcasters complained.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 11 – Nottingham is hoping that the shirt Argentina’s Diego Maradona wore when he scored his famous “Hand of God” goal will help the city’s bid to be a host city if England wins its bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
June 13 – Prince William and Prince Harry are due to begin a joint tour of Southern Africa tomorrow that will see them combine promoting their charity interests with cheering on England’s World Cup bid.