World Cup ban threat hanging over Nigeria
April 19 – Nigeria have been warned by FIFA that they could face serious sanctions, including missing this year’s World Cup in South Africa, if court action by a disgruntled official is not dropped.
News
Putin signs Russia’s World Cup bid guarantees
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 19 – Vladimir Putin (pictured left) has personally signed all the Governmental guarantees demanded by FIFA as part of Russia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, it was revealed today.
Ronaldo is more popular than Beckham – it’s official
April 19 – Real Madrid have revealed that shirt sales featuring the name and number of world record signing Cristiano Ronaldo have already helped surpass the initial £80 million ($122 million) it took to sign him from Manchester United last summer.
Blatter tricked me into standing for UEFA President, claims Johansson
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 19 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has been accused by Lennart Johansson of tricking him into standing for re-election for President of UEFA only to then support his rival, Michel Platini.
A-League clubs to be allowed to sign top Aussies
April 19 – A-League clubs will be allowed to sign one additional high-profile Australian player, such as Brett Emerton (pictured), outside of the salary cap in a bid to boost the domestic game, it has been announced.
Nelsen wants New Zealand to leave Oceania and join Asia
April 18 – New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen (pictured) has today called for the country to follow neighbours Australia and leave Oceania to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to give it a better chance of qualifying for the World Cup. and help raise standards.
Israeli anger at having to play Euro 2012 matches on Friday
April 17 – Religious leaders in Israel have criticised plans for the country’s national team, including Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun (pictured), to play some of its Euro 2012 qualifying matches on a Friday, which is considered in the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Bates blasts Lowy Leeds link
April 16 – Leeds United chairman Ken Bates (pictured) has rejected suggestions of a takeover bid by Australian Frank Lowy.
Relegated Premier League clubs set for softer landing
April 16 – Parachute payments for relegated clubs would total £48 million over four years if new Premier League proposals are agreed, it has been revealed today.
AC Milan vice-president in Champions League warning to Italian clubs
April 16 – Italy is facing the prospect of losing a place in the Champions League to Germany and falling behind France in the order of Europe’s top leagues, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani (pictured) has warned.
British Airways boss appointed to oversee sale of Liverpool as Americans get the message
By Andrew Warshaw
April 16 – Liverpool’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have given in to mounting pressure by agreeing to sell up, ending a long-running dispute over their suitability to run one of the world’s most iconic clubs.
Japan World Cup bid signs three new sponsors
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April 16 – Japan have signed-up another three sponsors as its campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup steps up a gear.
Premier League to challenge Ofcom over Sky ruling
April 16 – The Premier League has confirmed its intention to launch a legal challenge against Ofcom’s price cut for Sky’s premium sport channels.
Foreign visitors to World Cup set to be half predicted
April 15 – Danny Jordaan (pictured), the chief executive of South Africa 2010, admitted that the number of fans currently planning to attend the World Cup stands at between 100,000 and 200,000 – less than half of the original forecast of 450,000.
Essex Eagles set to join West Ham in swoop for Olympic Stadium
April 15 – Essex County Cricket Club have announced ambitious plans to share the London 2012 Olympic Stadium with Premier League West Ham United and Newham Council.