Massive interest continues for Brazil World Cup
The second phase of ticket sales for next year’s World Cup sold out just seven hours after being made available on FIFA’s website on a first-come, first-served basis.
World Cup
Jordan dreams of slaying Goliath to keep World Cup dream alive.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 12- On paper it’s an impossible task for the underdogs, the ultimate David versus Goliath showdown. Seemingly a foregone conclusion before a ball has even been kicked.
On one side, Uruguay, twice world champions and featuring the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, two of the most fearsome players in world football.
Blatter rules out January World Cup and says progress is being made on labour laws
By Andrew Warshaw
November 11 – FIFA president Sepp Blatter has ruled out the Qatar 2022 World Cup being moved to January and February because of a potential clash with the Winter Olympics, severely narrowing down the options to switch the tournament from summer. FIFA recently set up a working group to look into alternative dates for 2022 with all the stakeholders involved – medical experts, broadcasters, sponsors, leagues and clubs.
Ronaldo supports peaceful protests but insistent 2014 will be positive for Brazil
By Andrew Warshaw
November 7 – Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo has never been afraid to speak his mind whether as a player or in his new role as a prominent member of the organising committee for next year’s World Cup. The former striker, who scored both goals in the 2002 final and starred in European club football with PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Internazionale, Real Madrid and Milan, was in London this week to promote Brazil 2014.
ICSS and UNICEF partner to ‘Save the Dream’ in Brazil
November 6 – The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), the Qatar-based organisation that is increasingly becoming an important player when it comes to tackling the integrity of sport – in particular match-fixing and discrimination – has signed a partnership with UNICEF in Brazil.
Sven says English need a winter break to catch up with Europe
By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has ruled out any chance of the country winning the World Cup next summer. The multi-travelled 65-year-old Swede, currently coach of Chinese Super League team Guangzhou R&F, led England to the quarter-finals in both 2022 and 2006 but doubts they can improve on that in Brazil.
Rebelo says Brazil will be ready to party and terror threat not significant
By Andrew Warshaw
November 4 – Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo has tried to play down the mood of dissatisfaction throughout the country, highlighted by the mass street protests that marred last summer’s Confederations Cup. Rebelo remains convinced that the party atmosphere at next year’s World Cup, Brazil’s first as hosts for over half a century, will deflect attention away from social unrest.
Russian football violence pours more pressure on World Cup 2018 hosts
By Andrew Warshaw
November 1 – The image of Russian football, already battered by highly publicised instances of racism, has been shamed again, this time by a damaging outbreak of hooliganism that resulted in 78 Spartak Moscow fans being detained and a cup game temporarily suspended. The incident at second tier club Shinnik Yaroslavl occurred on Wednesday, ironically just after Moscow rivals CSKA had part of their stadium ordered closed by UEFA as punishment for the racist abuse directed towards Manchester City’s Yaya Toure in a recent Champions League tie.
Argentina pick Belo Horizonte as their Brazil 2014 base
October 28 – Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the first country from South America to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals, have chosen Belo Horizonte as their training base camp well before the draw on December 6.
Valcke says Brazil 2014 security will make it safe for fans
By Andrew Warshaw
October 28 – FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, who has been acting as the organisation’s main trouble-shooter for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, says fans should not be put off from attending by the latest outbreak of violence in the country.
FIFA in Russia to discuss 2018 progress, but no racism sanctions imminent
By Andrew Warshaw
October 28 – FIFA are to seek assurances from Russia’s 2018 World Cup organisers that they are taking adequate steps to tackle racism but insist there is no chance of the country being stripped of host status.The issue of racism was once again plunged into the spotlight last week when fans of CSKA Moscow verbally abused Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure during a Champions Cup clash, resulting in UEFA opening disciplinary proceedings with a verdict likely on Wednesday.
English grassroots get £102m and a ‘new’ funding body
October 24 – English grassroots will receive a £102 million boost over the next three years via a new fund that will contribute to new facilities and coaching initiatives throughout the country.
Ronaldo vs Ibrahimovic is pick of euro play-offs for Brazil
October 21 – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden was the pick of the ties when the draw for the European playoffs for next year’s World Cup finals was made today.
Brazilian crime gang issues ‘World Cup of Terror’ warning
By Paul Nicholson
October 20 – Fears of a series of terror attacks during the Brazil 2014 World Cup have emerged following a threat from Brazil’s largest organised crime group, the First Capital Command (PCC) drug cartel, to unleash a ‘World Cup of Terror’ during the summer of 2014, as well as attacks during local political elections.
Swiss climb puts them at the summit of World Cup seeding
October 17 – Switzerland’s meteoric rise in football’s world rankings has been rewarded with the central European country being seeded for next year’s World Cup finals.