Heathrow Airport to be sponsor of England 2018
August 9 – Heathrow Airport has signed up to become an official sponsor of England’s bid to hold the 2018 World Cup.
World Cup
Russia forced to move match from Moscow because of weather crisis
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 7 – Russia’s match against Bulgaria on Wednesday (August 11) has been moved from Moscow to St Petersburg because of health risks after acrid smog engulfed the Russian capital at a time that officials were hoping to showcase the country’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
More political doubts raised over Belgium and Netherlands 2018 World Cup bid
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August 4 – Leading Belgium politicians have joined their colleagues in the Netherlands and and raised doubts about their country’s joint campaign to host the 2018 World Cup less than a week before a team of FIFA inspectors are due to arrive to evaluate their bid.
World Cup finalists fined for bad behaviour
By Andrew Warshaw
August 3 – The Netherlands and Spain have been fined by FIFA for their outrageous behaviour in last month’s World Cup final.
Bin Hammam vows to back Qatar 2022 World Cup bid
July 30 – Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohamed Bin Hammam has revealed that he plans to vote for Qatar to host the World Cup in 2022.
Exclusive: Paul the Octopus in talks to join England 2018 World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 30 – England’s World Cup bid is hoping to sign-up a new ambassador to help its campaign to host the 2018 tournament – Paul the Octopus.
Russia beginning to pick-up pace of World Cup bid
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By Andrew Warsahw
July 29 – Russia has hauled in its big-hitters, including Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, to take part in a high-profile sports forum a fortnight before becoming the first European candidate for the 2018 World Cup to be scrutinised by FIFA’s six-man inspection team.
FIFA to blame for some delays claims Brazilian Sports Minister
July 28 – FIFA are to blame for some of the problems that Brazil is now experiencing in its build-up to the 2014 World Cup, the country’s Sports Minister Orlando Silva (pictured left) claimed today.
Head of Japan 2022 bid set to be forced out of FA
July 24 – Japan’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup is set to be thrown into crisis with Motoaki Inukai, who is heading the campaign, set to be forced out after a row over “forceful” style of management.
Australia 2022 cleared of breaking rules by FIFA
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 22 – Australian officials behind the country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup, including Frank Lowy (pictured), have been cleared by FIFA of breaking the rules by giving unauthorised gifts to voters, it was announced today.
Triesman claims England bid is regarded higher overseas than at home
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 22 – Lord Triesman has claimed that England’s World Cup bid has been better received abroad than at home.
Bristol role in 2018 World Cup in doubt after Sainsbury’s plan rejected
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 22 – Bristol’s future as a potential host city for the 2018 World Cup if England are awarded the tournament is in severe doubt after local councillors rejected plans to build a Sainsbury’s superstore at Ashton Gate.
FIFA inspectors arrive in South Korea
July 22 – A FIFA delegation has arrived in South Korea on the second leg of its tour to inspect bidders to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Sao Paulo still without a stadium for 2014 World Cup
July 22 – Brazil’s biggest city Sao Paulo is facing the prospect of missing out of hosting matches during the 2014 World Cup after officials failed to come up with a solution to finding a suitable stadium.
FIFA praise Japan 2022 World Cup for “balance”
July 22 – FIFA’s team of inspectors today praised Japan’s 2022 World Cup bid for its balance between old and new, environmental awareness and a high-tech approach, including a plan for 3-D match telecasts.