World Cup draw overshadowed by Teixeira-Pele dispute
By Andrew Warshaw in Rio de Janeiro
July 29 – To the eyes of the world, one man represents the iconic face of Brazilian football.
World Cup
Draw marks the first test of Brazil’s World Cup preparations
By Andrew Warshaw in Rio de Janeiro
July 29 – The first major test of Brazil’s ability to organise the 2014 World Cup takes place tomorrow with a star-studded preliminary draw inside a giant makeshift auditorium at Rio de Janeiro’s swish Marina da Gloria.
Exclusive: Sao Paulo will stage opening match of Brazil 2014 World Cup officials claim
By Andrew Warshaw in Rio de Janeiro
July 29 – Sao Paulo officials today insisted the city will definitely be ready to stage the opening match of the 2014 World Cup, with a final decision to be made by FIFA’s Executive Committee in October.
Brazil more excited by World Cup than Rio 2016, FIFA survey claims
By Andrew Warshaw in Rio de Janeiro
July 28 – Vastly more Brazilians are looking forward to the FIFA World Cup in 2014 than the Rio Olympic Games two years later.
Brazil still deserve to host 2014 World Cup despite problems claims Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw in Rio de Janeiro
July 27 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter admitted today that preparations for the 2014 World Cup could be more advanced but said the country deserved to host the tournament and would end up proving critics wrong.
I will make your lives hell, Teixeira threatens English FA
By Andrew Warshaw
July 25 – Brazil’s Ricardo Teixeira, one of football’s most prominent powerbrokers, has launched a savage attack on the English Football Association, saying he will “make their lives hell” as long as he remains a member of FIFA’s ruling Executive Committee.
Brazilian riot raises safety concerns for 2014 World Cup
By David Gold
July 25 – A riot in a São Paulo derby between Guarani and Ponte Preta has raised fresh doubts on Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil will be ready for World Cup, claims Sports Minister
By Andrew Warshaw
July 21 – Brazil’s Sports Minister Orlando Silva has attempted to dismiss fears surrounding the country’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup by insisting that all 12 stadia will be completed by the end of 2013.
Sao Paulo World Cup hopes boosted by new stadium approval
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15 – One of the most embarrassing episodes hindering progress for the 2014 World Cup has moved a step closer to being resolved after Sao Paulo’s chances of hosting the opening game were given a major boost following the approval of a funding package for a new 65,000-seater stadium for local club Corinthians.
Footballing legends set for Brazil 2014 World Cup draw
By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – Brazil’s 2014 World Cup preparations may be the subject of constant criticism but the five-time world champions are setting up a galaxy of stars for the preliminary draw on July 30.
There is not even a sliver of evidence behind the claims, argues Qatar World Cup chief
By Andrew Warshaw
July 12 – The head of Qatar’s victorious bid to stage the 2022 World Cup insists the campaign was totally clean and suggests anti-Arab sentiment in part fuelled the string of allegations against the oil-rich Gulf state.
FIFA confirm apology from Qatar whistleblower
By Andrew Warshaw
July 11 – FIFA became the latest organisation today to confirm receipt of an official apology from the whistleblower who has retracted serious bribery allegations made against Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
I lied, claims Qatar 2022 whistleblower
By Andrew Warshaw
July 10 – Qatar officials confirmed today that they had received an official apology from the so-called whistleblower who appears to have duped the world’s media and caused an international outcry over the credibility of the Gulf state’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
FA urged to engage with FIFA by select committee report
By David Gold
July 4 – The Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee has concluded that the Football Association’s “historic disengagement” from FIFA was a key cause in their failure to win the right to host the 2018 World Cup.
Exclusive: Report shows Maracana doubt for Confederations Cup
By David Gold in London
June 30 – Brazil is facing a race against time to ensure the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is ready for the 2013 Confederations Cup, whilst doubts over the construction of stadia in Natal and São Paulo persist, according to a report released today by UK Trade & Industry.