Orange shows African commitment through Football Fan Club
By David Gold
November 2 – Orange has reaffirmed its commitment to African football with plans to take the mobile platform Football Fan Club to a number of new countries.
World Football
FIFA make donation to help rebuild Christchurch after earthquake
By David Gold
November 2 – FIFA has donated $300,000 (£188,000/€218,000) to efforts to boost football infrastructure in Christchurch, where a devastating earthquake struck the Canterbury region earlier this year.
New York Cosmos set to be sold to Arab firm
By Andrew Warshaw
November 2 – New York Cosmos, once the most glamourous name in United States soccer which even lured Pele out of retirement, wants to become a major force once again – possibly with Arab money.
AFC hand out suspensions following Champions League semi-final brawl
By Andrew Warshaw
November 1 – One of the darkest days in the history of Asian club football resulted in mass suspensions being announced today by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Sion call on the man behind the Bosman ruling in relentless battle for victory
By Andrew Warshaw
October 31 – The lawyer who helped change the face of world football has been drafted in by Swiss club FC Sion to try to win their case against UEFA and FIFA.
FIFA vice-president Al Hussein moves to allow hijabs in the game
By David Gold
October 31 – FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Al Hussein wants rules brought in to allow Islamic headscarves to be worn during football matches.
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation President quits in cash-for-votes scandal
By Andrew Warshaw
October 30 – The cash-for-votes scandal involving almost the entire membership of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) has taken another twist with the news that Oliver Camps has quit as President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) after 19 years in charge.
Confusion over Turkish away fans ban
By David Gold
October 29 – There is confusion in Turkey after a ‘ban’ on away fans attending matches between Istanbul giants Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, as well as those of Trabzonspor, was announced this week.
PUMA agrees kit deal with Bundesliga champions Dortmund
By David Gold
October 29 – PUMA has signed a deal to become the official kit provider to Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund from 2012, it has been announced.
Henry and Beckham go head to head in MLS clash
By David Gold
October 28 – The Major League Soccer (MLS) play offs have thrown up the marketing man’s dream – a game between David Beckham’s LA Galaxy and Thierry Henry’s New York Red Bulls.
Marta heads up shortlist for Women’s World Player of the Year Award
By David Gold
October 28 – FIFA and France Football have revealed the shortlists for the Women’s World Player of the Year and World Coach of the Year Awards, with Brazilian legend Marta bidding to win the player’s award for the sixth year running.
Fraud in football amounts to £100 million each year
By Andrew Warshaw
October 27 – Fraud could account for more than £100 million ($160 million/€114 million) each year across the four English professional leagues and top Scottish league according to a new report.
Meeting to decide on new CONCACAF general secretary
By Tom Degun in Guadalajara
October 27 – A conference is currently underway here to decide on who will replace CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer when the American steps down from his post on December 31 this year.
Blatter sends condolences to Turkey following devastating earthquake
By David Gold
October 26 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has written to the Turkish President, Dr Abdullah Gül, to express his sympathy for the country, after it was hit by an earthquake earlier this week, in which at least 461 people lost their lives.
New initiative could spell the end of complex offside law
By Andrew Warshaw
October 26 – Football’s lawmakers will be asked next year to consider changing the offside law to make it simpler for players and fans alike.