Lineker urges FIFA to play it straight
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.
World Cup
Battle of the stats for 2022 World Cup
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.
Exclusive: Oceania chief confident Temarii will be replaced in time for World Cup voting
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.
Warner warns of “negative fallout” for England after Panorama broadcast
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.
Qatar World Cup would be worth “billions” they claim
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.
Exclusive: Temarii set to accept guilt so Oceania can get World Cup vote back
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.
Exclusive: Putin set to complete full set of Prime Ministers for World Cup vote
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.
“All the fish is sold” claims confident Spain/Portugal 2018 bid leader
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.
Williams support “massive boost” for Qatar 2022 World Cup bid
November 23 – F1 racing legend Frank Williams has accelerated the development of his interests in Qatar by giving his support to the country’s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Warner blasts “stupid” Panorama investigation
By Andrew Warshaw
November 22 – Jack Warner, FIFA’s longest serving vice-president, has described as “stupid” a forthcoming BBC investigation into World Cup bidding.
Exclusive: Dutch PM has told Blatter Government support bid, says Gullit
By Duncan Mackay in Rio de Janeiro
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
November 22 – Ruud Gullit has claimed that Holland and Belgium’s joint campaign to host the 2018 World Cup still has a chance of winning next week despite being the lowest ranked of the four European bidders.
US has short memory about high temperatures, claims Bin Hammam
By Andrew Warshaw
November 22 – The growing animosity between Qatar and the United States over which of the two should host the 2022 World Cup intensified today within the inner sanctum of FIFA.
US pulls out all the stops to prevent 2022 World Cup bid going off the rails
By Andrew Warshaw
November 21 – The United States is pulling out all the stops in an effort to prevent its 2022 World Cup bid being derailed by FIFA’s suggestion that there are insufficient financial guarantees to support the campaign.
Blatter: FIFA split over severity of punishment for bidding scandal officials
By Andrew Warshaw
November 19 – FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted today his organisation was split over the severity of the penalties meted out to six officials caught up in the World Cup bidding scandal.
“Time to move on” claim Qatar after FIFA clear them
By Andrew Warshaw in Doha
November 18 – The head of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid team today welcomed FIFA”s decision to clear them of any vote-trading collusion saying he always knew they had done nothing wrong.