Hilton plans new hotels for Russia 2018
March 15 – Nine hotels will be opened by Hilton Worldwide in Russia ahead of the 2018 World Cup, taking its total number of hotels in the country to 16, as it looks to expand its presence there.
World Cup
Time to plan Confederations Cup running out as fears grow over Brazil preparations
By David Gold
March 14 – Time to organise the dates and venues for the 2013 Confederations Cup is running out according to FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, who says that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was easier to organise than the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Qatar set-ups new sports security group to advise major events worldwide
By Duncan Mackay in Doha
March 9 – Qatar today launched a new non-profit organisation aimed at sharing information about security at major sports events around the world and helping them prepare to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Blatter criticises Brazil promises
March 8 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter reprimanded Brazilian politicians for promising that the opening match of the 2014 World Cup would be staged in Sao Paulo.
“Completely ludicrous” for South America to have so many World Cup spots for 2014 blasts Blazer
March 4 – FIFA’s decision to allow South America a possible six slots at the 2014 World Cup has been blasted as “completely ludicrous” by Chuck Blazer, the FIFA Executive committee member from the United States and secretary general of CONCACAF.
England 2018 tried to use Prince Andrew to form World Cup alliance with Qatar
March 4 – England’s failed 2018 football World Cup bid tried to use Prince Andrew’s relationship with the Qatari royal family to secure a voting alliance, it was claimed tonight.
FIFA compromise on 2014 World Cup finals places
By Andrew Warshaw
March 3 – Football’s world governing body today decided not to change the allocation of places for the 2014 World Cup finals despite several regions clamouring for more representation.
Blatter under pressure over World Cup slots
By Andrew Warshaw
February 28 – Sepp Blatter faces one of the most politically sensitive weeks of his FIFA Presidency when he tries to keep all his members happy over the controversial issue of 2014 World Cup berths.
Cameron believes Qatar World Cup can change attitudes towards homosexuality
February 23 – British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could help to improve attitudes towards homosexuality in the Middle East during an official visit to the Gulf state.
Blatter in U-turn over dates for Qatar 2022
By Andrew Warshaw
February 7 – Sepp Blatter appears to have performed a major U-turn over the 2022 Qatar World Cup, now declaring the tournament will be held in summer after all.
Sir Bobby Charlton upset over Qatar 2022 decision
By Mike Rowbottom in Abu Dhabi
February 6 – Sir Bobby Charlton, part of England’s delegation which supported the failed bid for the 2018 World Cup finals in December, has spoken out here against the decision to award the 2022 tournament to Qatar.
Qatar won the World Cup and Qatar will stage World Cup vows angry bin Hammam
By Andrew Warshaw
January 29 – The row over the Qatar 2022 World Cup looks set to escalate after Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Mohamed bin Hammam (pictured) rejected UEFA President Michel Platini’s suggestion that the tournament should be spread across the entire region.
We can’t air condition the beaches and the streets in Qatar, warns Platini
By Andrew Warshaw
January 26 – UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured) has re-iterated his idea of playing the Qatar 2022 World Cup in several Gulf countries for the good of the entire area.
Qatar’s Al Jazeera Sport first broadcaster to sign 2018 and 2022 World Cup deals
January 26 – FIFA has signed its first broadcasting contract for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with Qatar-based Al Jazeera Sport, football’s world governing body announced today.
England 2018 lost because it did not have a compelling story admits marketing director
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
January 24 – England’s campaign to host the 2018 World Cup failed so spectacularly because its bid team had such poor relations with senior members at FIFA, a senior member of its management team admitted today.