Exclusive: FIFA under-17 World Cup cost more than double the buget
By David Owen
August 19 – Last year’s under-17 World Cup cost more than double its budget, in an overshoot blamed by FIFA on “exceptional high” medical and security costs.
Africa
Blatter urged to postpone Nigerian elections
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 17 – Pressure to get the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to postpone its elections due on Saturday (August 21) is continuing to build with Segun Odegbami , one of the country’s former top players, joining in the calls by petitioning FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
Adamu and politicians clash over state of Nigerian football
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 10 – FIFA Executive Committee Amos Adamu (pictured) today told Nigeria’s leaders that there is nothing wrong with football in the country despite the Super Eagles disappointing performance at the World Cup in South Africa.
Nigerian President lifts ban on national team
July 5 - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has rescinded a decision to withdraw the country’s teams from international competition after FIFA warned Government interference could result in the federation being suspended.
Nigerian Government given Monday deadline to lift international ban
July 2 – FIFA have given the Nigerian Government until Monday (July 5) to rescind its withdrawal of the country’s national teams from competition or face suspension.
Nigerian President “bans” national team for two years
June 30 – Nigeria have been suspended from international football for the next two years – by the country’s President.
Okocha fails to get Nigerian Football Federation elections stopped
June 24 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has refused to stop the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) holding elections in August by a high-level delegation, including the country’s Sports Minister Isa Bio and former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha, who claim that the govering body is corrupt.
African plants could be giving players anabolic steroid boost claims FIFA
February 21 – FIFA claimed today that they are concerned about players using undetectable stimulants derived from traditional African medicines that are not banned.
African Hall of Fame to be launched in Nigeria
January 18 – An hall of fame to celebrate the achievements of African footballers, such as Cameroon’s Roger Milla (pictured), is set to be launched in Nigeria later this year, it has been revealed.
Bartlett launches search for South African talent
By Duncan Mackay
January 4 – Some of South Africa’s former players, led by Shaun Bartlett (pictured), have launched a series of “boot camps” for teenagers as part of a new scheme bankrolled by Nike to try to find new young talent.
FIFA appoints interim head in Togo
January 3 - FIFA has appointed General Seyi Memene (pictured), a veteran Togolese football administrator, as interim head of the Togo Football Federation (TFF).
Nematandani threatens job cuts at SAFA
December 29 – Staff at the South African Football Association (SAFA) have been warned that many of them could lose their jobs in the New Year following a staff audit undertaken by new President Kirsten Nematandani (pictured).
South Africa Premier League records big loss
November 18 - South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) recorded a loss of R8.3 million (£660,000) after rising costs and a failure to secure sponsorship for the First Division plunged the company into the red, it was announced today.
FIFA to discuss solution to London 2012 football tournament age row
September 29 – FIFA officials will meet in Rio de Janeiro today to discuss possible changes on the age limit for players at the men’s Olympic football tournament at London 2012, the final of which is due to be held at Wembley.
Nigerian Government offer companies tax cuts to support Super Eagles
September 1 – Nigeria’s Government has offered companies the incentive of tax-cuts if they support the country’s bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, they have announced.