Beckham to continue playing after World Cup, says Gullit
By Steven Downes
January 29 – David Beckham (pictured) will not retire after this summer’s World Cup finals, according to one of his most recent club managers.
World Cup
Blatter comments on 2018 World Cup bid upset FIFA Executive Committee
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January 27 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) is coming under pressure to backtrack on his claim that only European nations may be considered as hosts for the 2018 World Cup.
Only European bidders set to be considered for 2018 World Cup claims Blatter
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By Duncan Mackay
January 26 – Only European nations should be considered to host the 2018 World Cup, FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) has claimed in a move which would leave Australia and the United States battling for the right to host the 2022 tournament.
FFA announce replacement for Mersiades
By Duncan Mackay
January 26 – Rod Allen (pictured), a former journalist, has been appointed as Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) new head of media relations, including handling the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, following the shock departure of Bonita Mersiades.
Bid countries descend on Angola to lobby at CAF Congress
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January 26 – Bidding countries, including England led by former Liverpool striker John Barnes (pictured), are beginning to arrive in Angola for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has controversially been sponsored by Qatar 2022.
Key figure quits Australian World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 24 – Bonita Mersiades (pictured), a key member of Australia’s campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, has quit unexpectedly on the eve of a planned trip to Angola to lobby on behalf of the bid.
South Korean President to meet Blatter
By Duncan Mackay
January 24 – South Korea’s President Lee Myung-bak (pictured) is set to meet FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Wednesday (January 27) to lobby on behalf of his country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Cape Town and Polokwane World Cup stadiums officially opened
January 23 – Two of South Africa’s World Cup venues have witnessed their first matches in preparation for the tournament, including in Cape Town, where England are due to play Algeria.
Exclusive: Siegler – A World Cup in Russia would unify the region
By Andrew Warshaw
January 23 – Markus Siegler (pictured), the newly appointed special advisor to Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid, insists the country has all the has necessary attributes to stage the tournament and is determined to use his unique contacts to bring it about.
Fowler hits back at Australian World Cup critics
January 23 – Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler (pictured) has hit out at the critics of Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, claiming that they do not understand how huge the event is.
Blatter meets Medvedev to discuss Russia World Cup bid
January 22 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter today met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow to discuss Russia’s bid to host the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup.
Blatter visits Moscow again to boost Russia World Cup bid
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By Andrew Warshaw
January 22 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter is in Moscow for an update on the country’s bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.
Exclusive: Ginola targets Platini to get him to back England World Cup bid
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By Andrew Warshaw
January 21 – One of David Ginola’s first priorities in his role as the latest ambassador to be unveiled by England’s 2018 World Cup bid team will be to lobby UEFA President Michel Platini.
Beckenbauer claims German fans put off World Cup by security fears and prices
By Duncan Mackay
January 20 – Security fears and the high cost of travel is putting German fans off travelling to support their team at the World Cup in South Africa later this year, Franz Beckenbauer has claimed.
Fowler and other A-League players to show support for Australia World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 20 – Players in the Hyundai A-League, including former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler (pictured), and clubs will show their support for Australia’s bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022 this weekend in the first of two “Come Play!” days this year.