South African construction workers given free World Cup tickets
May 3 – Construction workers who built South Africa’s stadiums for the 2010 World Cup were today given free tickets by the organisers to watch the matches.
News
Jack Warner claims that Andrew Jennings is part of Trinidad Government plot to smear him
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By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 3 – Jack Warner (pictured), the vice-president of FIFA, has accused British investigative journalist Andrew Jennings of being part of a plot by the Trinidad and Tobago Government to smear his name ahead of the country’s General Election on May 24.
Row over taxes hits Euro 2012 preparations
May 3 – A new row that could threaten Euro 2012 has erupted after Poland’s Ministry of Finance said that it wants to renegotiate its agreement with UEFA exempting them from taxes during the tournament.
Hiddink wins support of Chung for Netherlands-Belgium World Cup bid
May 2 – Former South Korean national team coach Guus Hiddink and FIFA vice-president President Chung Mong-Joon have pledged to cooperate on their nation’s respective bids to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup competitions.
Exclusive: FIFA lift Olympic dress ban on Iranian women’s team
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 2 – A ban on Iran’s women’s team competing in the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore later this year has been lifted after a new set of clothing that complied with the Islamic dress code was proposed to FIFA, it has been claimed.
Relegation does not stop World Cup dream claim Plymouth
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May 2 – Plymouth Argyle’s relegation from the Championship will not affect plans to redevelop its Home Park stadium in time to host matches if England are chosen to host the World Cup in 2018, club officials promised today.
Warner accused of “untruths” over World Cup bonuses
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 2 – FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has been accused by 13 Trinidad and Tobago players, including Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones (pictured) and former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, of trying to mislead the public about a row over unpaid bonuses from the 2006 World Cup.
Australian World Cup offers “exceptional” opportunity claims Cahill
May 1 – Everton midfield player Tim Cahill (pictured) has claimed that Australia offers FIFA an “exceptional” opportunity if they are chosen to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Row over MCG threatens Australian World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 30 – Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup has hit a major barrier which could seriously undermine it after it was reported Australian rules officials are demanding up to $100 million (£61 million) to allow them to use the iconic-Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
England 2018 appoints company to drive foreign internet support for World Cup bid
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April 30 – England have appointed an independent search marketing consultancy to try to gather more support on the internet for its bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Sky reach deal with Ofcom for other broadcasters to show Premier League
April 29 – The Premier League should be available through four television broadcasters by August after BSkyB today reached a legal settlement with the media regulator Ofcom.
Qatar World Cup bid boosted by state-of-the-art stadium plan
By Duncan Mackay in Dubai
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 28 – Qatar today unveiled a $4 billion (£2.6 billion) plan here to build or renovate 12 stadiums with high-tech cooling systems as part of its bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Premier League clubs to show support for England 2018
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April 28 – Every Premier League club in the country is to show its support to England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup with a series of activities for the last two weeks of the season, it has been announced.
Platini blames Premier League for Portsmouth problems
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April 28 – UEFA President Michel Platini has criticised what he calls the “liberalism” in Premier League financial regulations which he claims led to Portsmouth going into administration.
Hiddink claims Holland and Belgium World Cup bid can learn from South Korea
April 27 – Guus Hiddink has led a delegation from the Netherlands and Belgium bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to South Korea, where he is still considered a national hero after leading the national team to third place at the tournament in 2002.