Singapore and Vietnam gear up for 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup
April 4 – Singapore and Vietnam will be co-hosts for the AFF Suzuki Cup group stages in 2014, the region’s premier competition held every two years.
World Football
75% supertax looms threateningly over French clubs and players
By Mark Baber
April 3 – The French government remains determined to fulfil its manifesto commitment to bring in a new 75% supertax, despite judicial setbacks. The supertax will apply to companies who pay salaries over €1 million, including football clubs.
April date for ‘bonfire-gate’ hearing in Zurich
By Andrew Warshaw
April 3 – England’s fate over the alleged racist abuse directed towards defender Rio Ferdinand and his brother Anton could be heard by FIFA as early as April 10.
Al Serkal hits AFC campaign trail venturing into Makudi’s heartland
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
April 3 – Yousuf Al Serkal, one of the four contenders bidding to become the next Asian Football Confederation president, is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to snatch victory in next month’s election in Kuala Lumpur.
US Soccer kicks off Centennial Week at the NYSE
By Mark Baber
April 3 – US Soccer yesterday kicked off its Centennial Week by ringing the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell, with commemoration events planned for the rest of the week including the 2013 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Class, soccer in New York’s Times Square and a Women’s National Team Watch Party on Friday.
Indians look to Dubai for franchise investors in I-League
By Mark Baber
April 3 – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is looking for investors interested in setting up new franchise clubs on the sub-continent to promote football as a sport in India and establish an international recognition for its I-league.
Al-Thawadi promises a bigger voice for Asia at football’s top table
By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – The chief organiser of the 2022 Qatar World Cup insists he doesn’t need to win the upcoming vote for a place on the top table at FIFA simply so that he can “protect” the Gulf state’s right to stage the tournament.
Warner hits back as government asks for US clarification over FBI probe
By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – Former FIFA powerbroker Jack Warner has spoken out for the first time following reports of an FBI probe into alleged corruption linked to his family.
Palestine gets $4.5m financial boost to build facilities
By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – Palestinian football is to receive a major injection of support from FIFA as it strives to enhance its development despite continuing conflict and hardship in the war-torn region. FIFA are donating a $4.5m grant which Palestinian officials hope will change the global view of the area and promote football as a tool for change.
FIFA caution South Africans about government interference in football
By Andrew Warshaw
April 1 – FIFA have written to the South African government warning them against a judicial inquiry into the country’s recent match-fixing scandal, insisting the matter must be handled by the football authorities. Government interference in football, typically frequent in Africa and Asia, is banned by FIFA who have not been afraid to issue to warnings and sanctions.
Bonfire song ignites protest from Europe’s racism groups, un-FARE or not?
By Andrew Warshaw
March 29 – England’s leading fans group and Europe’s anti-racism network are going head-to-head over claims that racist abuse was directed at England defender Rio Ferdinand during the recent 8-0 thrashing of San Marino.
UEFA empowers referees on racism and demands zero tolerance of match-fixing
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – UEFA has joined forces with clubs and players in a unified attack on racism and has re-iterated its position that referees have the authority to stop and abandon matches. European football’s governing body reminded officials they were authorised four years ago to halt games in case of serious racism incidents, a policy that has been largely ignored but rekindled in the wake of Kevin-Prince Boeteng’s walk-off.
Nigerian Senate demands a radical restructuring of country’s football
By Mark Baber
March 28 – In the football equivalent of the ‘church and state’ governance debates, the Nigerian Senate has demanded an overhaul of football in the country – despite the Super Eagles winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year – but is wary of becoming too involved in running the game.
Japanese complain over laser treatment in Jordan
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – Japanese football chiefs have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over alleged dirty tricks during their shock World Cup qualifying loss to Jordan earlier this week.
Bosman lawyer warns UEFA Fair Play rules may break EU competition law
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – The lawyer who helped changed the face of European football has warned that UEFA’s Financial Fair Play system may not stand up in court if challenged. Jean-Louis Dupont (pictured), part of the legal team who brought about the Bosman ruling back in the 1990s, says FFP risks violating competition law and freedom of movement.