Man behind Roberto Carlos “banana incident” identified
By David Gold
March 16 – A man has admitted throwing a banana at Anzhi Makhachkala’s Brazilian star Roberto Carlos (pictured) during a league match in Samara, but will not be punished.
World Football
Russian Football Union boss threatens to close unkempt stadiums
By David Gold
March 16 – Sergei Fursenko, the head of the Russian Football Union (RFU), has threatened to close the stadia of clubs who do not look after their pitches.
Egyptian Premier League faces an uncertain future
By David Gold
March 16 – The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) chairman Anwar Saleh (pictured) says that they are as yet undecided on the future direction of football in the country.
FIFA vice-president Prince Ali clears the air after Premier League chair’s embarrassing outburst
By Andrew Warshaw
March 16 – Jordan’s FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein (pictured left) has sought to diffuse any tension with English football authorities by playing down Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards’ (right) outburst at this week’s International Sport Security Conference in Doha.
Seventy five charged in Egypt following Port Said massacre
By Andrew Warshaw
March 16 – Egyptian authorities have reacted to the Port Said massacre by charging 75 people – including nine policemen – with murder and/or negligence.
FIFA’s reforms body calls for investigation into “unsatisfactory” voting processes
By Andrew Warshaw
March 16 – The voting process that led to Russia and Qatar being selected as hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has again come under the spotlight, this time as part of FIFA’s own anti-corruption reform programme.
Gazprom Neft secures news sponsorship deal with Zenit St Petersburg
By David Gold
March 15 – Gazprom Neft has sealed a new $20 million (£12.7 million/€15 million) sponsorship deal with the Russian Premier League champions Zenit St Petersburg.
I was duped into selling to Whyte, insists Former Rangers owner Sir David Murray
By David Gold
March 15 – Former Glasgow Rangers owner Sir David Murray (pictured) has admitted he was “duped” into selling the club to Craig Whyte.
Exclusive: Britain’s FIFA vice-president stunned by Premier League chair’s untimely outburst
By Andrew Warshaw
March 15 – Britain’s FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce (pictured) has vowed to try and limit the damage following English Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards’ extraordinary outburst accusing FIFA and UEFA of “stealing” football away from England.
Top Australian players of all time span six decades, says poll
By Emily Goddard
March 14 – Australia’s top 16 footballers span six decades and several generations of the game, with the likes of Joe Marston (pictured), Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano making up the top players, according to a poll conducted to celebrate the centenary of organised football in Australia.
Portuguese Premier League approves expansion to 18 teams
By David Gold
March 14 – Portugal’s Premier League will expand to 18 teams from next season, the country’s Professional Football League (LPFP) has announced.
New CBF President Marin quashes hopes of a Brazilian football revolution
By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – The new head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), José Maria Marin (pictured), has dampened hopes of a fresh beginning for his country’s much-maligned administration by insisting he will not resort to wholesale changes following the resignation of Ricardo Teixeira.
Ricardo Teixeira to keep seat on FIFA Executive Committee
By Andrew Warshaw
March 14 – Ricardo Teixeira (pictured) is to keep his place as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee despite having quit as President of both the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Brazil 2014.
FAW want teams competing in Europe to represent Wales
By David Gold
March 13 – The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is hoping that UEFA will agree to allow the likes of Cardiff City and Swansea City, who play in the English league pyramid, to compete in European competitions representing Wales.
New body Football Australia launches national football inquiry
By David Gold
March 13 – The new Football Australia (FA) organisation set up by Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer (pictured) is to conduct an Australia-wide public Commission of Inquiry.