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.
World Football
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.
Indonesian naturalisation plan backed
August 13 – A controversial plan by the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) to recruit players from overseas to play for the national team has been backed by the Government.
North Korea allegations of abuse to be investigated by FIFA
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 11 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has demanded answers from North Korea after reports that its World Cup squad was publicly humiliated and coach Kim Jong-Hun sentenced to hard labour.
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.
Kennedy concedes defeat in battle to stay as President of IFA
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 8 – A warning from the Northern Ireland Government that they will not fund a £30 million ($45 million) redevelopment of Windsor Park has forced Raymond Kennedy to accept that he has to step down as the President of the Irish Football Association (IFA).
Irish FA warned of consequences if Kennedy stays
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 6 – The Irish Football Association (IFA) is set upon a collision course with the Government after President Raymond Kennedy appeared to signal that he would not stand down next month as had been announced.
Cosmos may have to wait for MLS place warns Commissioner
August 5 – New York Cosmos have been warned that they still faced a long struggle to be given a franchise to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) despite the razzmatazz that has accompanied their relaunch.
Italian FA President hoping Baggio and Rivera can help restore glory days
August 4 – Giancarlo Abete (pictured), the President of Italian Football Federation (FIGC), is pinning his hopes of a series of changes to help restore the country to the top of the sport following a disappointing performance at the World Cup in South Africa.
Baggio, Sacchi and Rivera set to join Italian federation
August 3 – Roberto Baggio (pictured), one of Italy’s finest ever players, is set to return to football, joining Italy’s football federation (FIGC) after the national team’s disastrous exit from the World Cup.
Garber signs new multi-million dollar contract with MLS
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August 2 – Don Garber has signed a four-year contract that could be worth up to $12 million (£7.5 million) as Major League Soccer Commissioner until 2014, it has been announced.
New York Cosmos relaunched with aim of playing in MLS
August 1 – A new group led by English businessman Paul Kemsley has acquired the name of the old Cosmos soccer team of the North American Soccer League (NASL) and made Pele its honorary President.
Soca Warriors win High Court case over World Cup bonuses
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 1 – Trinidad and Tobago’s 2006 World Cup squad, including Shaka Hislop (pictured), have won their long battle to receive the multi-million dollar bonuses they claim they are due for playing in the tournament in Germany.
Yorkshire CCC chief executive given top job in Scotland
July 30 – Stewart Regan has quit his post as Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive to take up the same role at the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
Northern Ireland FA protest against players switching defeated
July 30 – Northern Ireland football officials have suffered a crushing defeat in their attempts to prevent players switching to play for Ireland.