MLS Cup final to remain at neutral venue
January 4 – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final, which last year featured David Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy, will continue to be played at a neutral venue, it was announced today.
News
Sheffield United taking legal action over 2018 World Cup snub
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January 4 – Sheffield United have started taking legal action over the controversial decision to choose the stadium of their greatest rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, as a host venue for the 2018 World Cup if England’s bid is successful ahead of their own Bramall Lane (pictured).
Spike Lee joins USA World Cup Bid Committee
January 4 – Academy Award-nominated director Spike Lee (pictured) is the latest eye-catching name to lend their support to the United States bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, taking his place alongside the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Drew Carey and Henry Kissinger on the Board of directors.
Indonesia World Cup bid still hopeful of Government backing
By Duncan Mackay
January 4 – Indonesia remains confident of the country’s Government backing its bid to host the 2022 World Cup, officials there claimed today.
Bartlett launches search for South African talent
By Duncan Mackay
January 4 – Some of South Africa’s former players, led by Shaun Bartlett (pictured), have launched a series of “boot camps” for teenagers as part of a new scheme bankrolled by Nike to try to find new young talent.
Italy must modernise stadiums, says FICG vice-president
January 4 – Demetrio Albertini (pictured), the vice-president of the Italian Football Associaiton (FICG), has warned that the country must modernise its stadiums if its bid to host the 2016 European Championships is to be successful.
Worawi abandons chase for England friendly – for now
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By Duncan Mackay
January 3 – Worawi Makudi (pictured), the President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), has abandoned plans to try to persuade England to play a friendly in Bangkok during their build-up to this year’s World Cup.
Portsmouth TV money to go directly to pay off debts
January 4 – The Premier League are set to pay Portsmouth’s £7 million share of the latest television monies directly to other top-flight sides to settle the struggling club’s outstanding transfer debts, it confirmed today.
Qatar 2022 support Inter Milan match
January 3 – A senior delegation from Qatar’s 2022 World Cup Bid Committee flew to Saudi Arabia for the testimonial match of Nawaf al-Temyat between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Club and Italian champions Inter Milan, who are managed by Jose Mourinho, at the King Fahd international stadium.
Worawi sets Robson series of targets for 2010
By Duncan Mackay
January 3 – Worawi Makudi, whose position as President of the Football Association of Thailand (TAF) has been under threat, has signalled his intention to stay in his role by setting out a series of targets for coach, former England captain Bryan Robson (pictured with Worawi), during 2010.
Demands for Kennedy to stand down as President of IFA
January 3 – Calls are growing for Raymond Kennedy (pictured) to stand down as President of the Irish Football Association (IFA) following the six-figure payout to former chief executive Howard Wells.
FIFA appoints interim head in Togo
January 3 - FIFA has appointed General Seyi Memene (pictured), a veteran Togolese football administrator, as interim head of the Togo Football Federation (TFF).
Warner claims Trinidad & Tobago programme in danger over lack of funding
January 3 – Jack Warner (pictured), the FIFA vice-president, has warned that unless football receives more support in Trinidad & Tobago than the country’s national teams could soon be facing a major crisis.
Beckham in warning over England 2018 World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 3 – David Beckham (pictured) has warned that England must not be arrogant and believe that they are more deserving of hosting the 2018 World Cup than any of its rivals because of its tradition and the worldwide appeal of the Premier League.
Iranian football official forced to resign over New Year greeting to Israel
January 3 – Mohammad-Manour Azimzadeh (pictured), a senior official in the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), has been forced to resign after a New Year’s greeting email was apparently sent on his behalf to his counterparts in Israel.