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.
World Football
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.
Ten more Caribbean officials named in bribery debacle
By Andrew Warshaw
October 26 – Ten more Caribbean officials are to be investigated for their roles in the FIFA cash-for-votes scandal, plunging the region into even more disgrace.
End is nigh for Sion and UEFA battle
By Andrew Warshaw
October 25 – The ongoing dispute between Swiss club Sion and UEFA is set to be resolved late next month once and for all.
Warner is untouchable, warns Panday
By David Gold
October 25 – Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday has said that ex-FIFA vice-president Jack Warner cannot be touched, as an investigation is carried out into the former CONCACAF President’s role in the cash-for-votes scandal by the country’s Attorney General.
Beckenbauer calls for dumbing down of offside law
By Andrew Warshaw
October 25 – German legend Franz Beckenbauer is aiming to change the offside law to make it simpler for referees to interpret.
German refs questioned in tax dodging inquiry
By Andrew Warshaw
October 24 – German referees are at the centre of a tax evasion investigation that threatens to heap embarrassment on a nation that prides itself on footballing ethics.
Barcelona open doors to “New Masia” for next generation of football greats
By David Gold
October 21 – European champions Barcelona have unveiled their “New Masia” academy as they look to find future stars of the game to follow the path trodden by Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Football “in danger” if Sion win, FIFA warn
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 20 – Football would be “in danger” if other teams follow the example of Swiss club Sion and go to the civil courts to try and resolve footballing disputes, FIFA warned here today.
It’s time for Blatter to put his money where his mouth is
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 20 – Almost five months after being elected for a final term as FIFA President pledging zero tolerance, it’s D-Day for Sepp Blatter who now has to put his money where his mouth is – if you will excuse the unfortunate choice of phrase.
Exclusive: Czechs plan bid for 2015 European Under-21 Championships
By David Gold
October 20 – The Czech Republic is planning to bid for the European under 21 championship in 2015 rather than the European Championships in 2020, insideworldfootball has learnt.