By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
November 29 – England’s 2018 World Cup bid chief Andy Anson promised today to “fight like crazy” to secure the required number of votes to get England over the line in Thursday’s ballot.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
November 29 – Renewed corruption allegations involving FIFA Executive Committee members surfaced today just days before they are due to appoint the hosts of football’s 2018 and 2022 World Cups under the eyes of world leaders.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has asked FIFA to allow it to send a replacement for next week’s World Cup vote following the suspension of its President, Reynald Temarii (pictured), in order to retain a say in deciding the venues for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – Britain’s Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt says he has been assured by FIFA voting members that England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup will not be adversely affected by the recent spate of newspaper corruption allegations and a forthcoming television broadcast.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Prime Minister David Cameron today stepped into the row over the forthcoming BBC Panorama programme that threatens to heap embarrassment on FIFA three days before the 2018 World Cup vote is taken.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – The Holland/Belgium 2018 World Cup team today announced a heavyweight delegation to take to Zurich for the December 2 announcement, headed by bid President Ruud Gullit and the country’s most iconic footballing figure, Johan Cruyff (pictured).
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Five former England internationals will join Prince William, Prime Minister David Cameron and David Beckham as part of the England 2018 delegation for the World Cup vote in Zurich next week.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – England 2018 ambassador Gary Lineker has urged FIFA not to be swayed by politics at next week’s eagerly awaited World Cup vote.
By David Owen
November 25 – A World Cup in Australia would offer FIFA and its partners “huge economic and financial opportunities”, the country’s bid has claimed, as the contest for the 2022 World Cup turned into a statistical battleground.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 24 – The credibility of world football’s governing body was rocked by yet another twist to the ongoing corruption scandal today when it emerged that suspended Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President Reynald Temarii is likely to waive his right of appeal in order to be replaced for the two secret ballots on December 2.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 24 – FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has renewed his attack on the forthcoming BBC Panorama investigation into World Cup bidding, warning the broadcast will have “negative fall-out” for England’s World Cup bid.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 24 – Qatar is stepping up its public relations machine ahead of next week’s 2022 World Cup vote with a flurry of activities and statements showcasing the country’s facilities and legacy.
By David Owen
November 24 – The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has called a meeting of its Executive Committee on Saturday (November 27), amid growing expectations that moves may be made to ensure the region retains a say in where the 2018 and 2022 World Cups are played.
By Duncan Mackay in Rio de Janeiro
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
November 23 – Russia’s Government are making final plans for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to travel to Zurich next week to support the country’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup – putting an end to doubts over whether he would make the trip.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 23 – The head of Spain/Portugal’s World Cup 2018 bid says he is confident of getting at least eight votes when the ballot takes place next week for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.