Russian welcome? England players discuss plans in case of racist abuse
May 30 – England players have discussed the prospect of racism during the World Cup amid concerns that Russian fans might target its black players.
World Cup
Money talks: Bility pledges Liberia’s 2026 vote to United bid and its ‘commercial value’
May 29 – Just as he did at the FIFA presidential election two years ago, Liberia’s maverick, controversial and still-in-place federation president Musa Bility is breaking Africanranks and will vote for the joint North American bid for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA gives Russian squad all-clear after investigation finds no evidence of doping
By Paul Nicholson
May 23 – Russian players selected for duty at this summer’s World Cup finals have all been cleared to play. FIFA has confirmed that there are no anti-doping cases being pursued against any players named in Russia’s provisional squad for their home World Cup.
To vote or not to vote… crucial 2026 bid evaluation report looks like going down to the wire
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – The all-important publication of the evaluation report into the dossiers of the two contenders bidding to stage the 2026 World Cup looks set to take place later than the May 29 date predicted by the Moroccan underdogs.
2026 bid trail: COSAFA’s South Africa meeting is next stop for lobbyists
March 21 – The two contenders to stage the 2026 World Cup are returning to southern Africa this week in a final push to secure the potentially pivotal backing of the region according to local reports.
Matthäus signs on for Morocco 2026 final push
May 21 – In a late run to pick up support ahead of next month’s 2026 world cup vote, Morocco have named former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus as its latest promotional ambassador.
Task Force ruling on Morocco 2026 eligibility expected end May
By Andrew Warshaw
May 18 – Morocco’s attempt to wrest the 2026 World Cup away from the North American favourites reaches its most decisive point to date on May 29 when FIFA’s evaluation Task Force delivers its verdict on whether the north Africans have met the criteria and can be on the ballot paper in Moscow.
Sexy football, sexy time? Argentine FA apologise for sexist gaffe
May 17 – The Argentine Football Association has apologised for the publication of a World Cup manual that included advice on how to seduce Russian women.
FIFA shrug off Morocco query over eligibility of four US territories for 2026 vote
By Andrew Warshaw
May 16 – Morocco’s request for four countries to be pulled from next month’s 2026 World Cup vote has received a non-committal response from FIFA with the simmering controversy quite possibly coming to a head at the ballot itself in Moscow.
Africans lobby SA to back Morocco 2026 as national politics threaten a ‘solidarity’ vote
May 16 – South Africa’s football leadership are being urged not to break ranks with the Continent and to back Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 World Cup.
Photoshoot bombed as CAS extends doping ban to rule Guerrero out of World Cup
May 15 – Peru’s joy has quickly turned to disappointment after captain Paolo Guerrero was ruled out of the World Cup after his doping ban, which had just expired, was increased from six to 14 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Peru pick Guerrero for Russian duty though WADA pressures to CAS to keep him at home
May 14 – Peru’s football federation have confirmed captain Paolo Guerrero has been selected in the team’s World Cup squad despite an appeal by anti-doping authorities to have his ban for a positive test increased.
Russia and Argentina take measures to keep the Barras Bravas out of 2018 World Cup stadia
By Samindra Kunti
May 11 – The Argentine government will sign an agreement Russia to prevent more than 3,000 Argentine hooligans from entering Russia and the host venues this summer during the World Cup.
US dismiss Morocco calls for its territories to be pulled from FIFA’s 2026 vote
May 11 – Morocco’s rivals to stage the 2026 World Cup have defended the right of four US-governed territories to take part in next month’s vote after the north Africans complained in writing to FIFA about a potential conflict of interest.
Morocco call for four US territories to be pulled from 2026 vote
By Andrew Warshaw
May 10 – The new voting process to select the 2026 World Cup hosts has led to yet more claims of unfair tactics by underdogs Morocco who have requested FIFA exclude four United States-governed territories from the ballot in June.