Website crashes as Euro 2012 ticket sales launched
March 1 – Technical problems today overshadowed the launch of ticket sales for Euro 2012 as the official website crashed under the weight of heavy traffic.
World Tournaments
Women’s 2015 World Cup set for Canada after Zimbabwe withdrawal
March 1 – Zimbabwe has withdrawn its bid to host the women’s World Cup in 2015 leaving Canada as the only candidate, FIFA announced today.
Coventry celebrating being chosen as test event venue by London 2012 for football
February 26 – Coventry’s Ricoh Arena is celebrating after being chosen to play host to qualifying match for the men’s Olympic football tournament in April 2012, an event that will be used by London 2012 as a major test event.
Kiev announces 13 new tourist routes for Euro 2012
February 23 – 13 tourist routes specifically for football fans in Kiev will be opened by the start of UEFA Euro 2012, according to the head of Kiev’s Tourism Agency, Mykola Hrytsyk.
Messi and double Olympic champions Argentina to miss London 2012
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
February 13 – Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer, will miss London 2012 after the two-time defending Olympic champions Argentina failed to qualify for the tournament.
Europe’s top clubs in new threat to London 2012 football tournament
By Andrew Warshaw
February 8 – There is a new row over the 2012 Olympic football tournament, with Europe’s top clubs warning their players should not be forced to compete in more than one major event per season, which could affect the participation of players like Wayne Rooney.
Calls for Ukraine federation President to resign are dropped
By Andrew Warshaw
February 3 – Ukraine has heeded UEFA’s threat to strip of them of Euro 2012 co-hosting rights by dropping calls for the departure of their federation’s long-time President, Hrigory Surkis (pictured).
Germany sign Barbie for World Cup
February 3 – The German Football Federation (DFB) is planning to cash in on hosting the Women’s World Cup in June with a football version of the children’s doll Barbie wearing the national team’s colours.
Tickets for Euro 2012 to go on sale March 1
February 1 – The cost of tickets for Euro 2012 matches in Ukraine and Poland will cost from €30 (£26/$41) to €600 (£513/$828), UEFA revealed today as they launched the details of how fans could buy them.
Morocco for 2015 African Nations Cup, South Africa 2017
January 29 – Morocco was today awarded the 2015 African Cup of Nations, defeating its only rivals South Africa, who will stage the 2017 tournament.
England lose another bid as Israel awarded European Under-21 Championships
January 27 – England and Wales have lost their rival bids to host the 2013 European Under-21 Championships after UEFA today chose Israel to stage the tournament.
Ukraine threatened with FIFA ban and missing Euro 2012
January 26 – FIFA has warned Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine that it risks suspension if the country’s football federation (FFU) replaces its current management, including President Hrigory Surkis (pictured right), according to a letter from FIFA.
African Nations Cup decision postponed
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January 26 – A decision on which country’s will host the 2015 and 2017 African Nations Cup has been put back to 24 hours, it has been announced.
Ukraine Euro 2012 chief in hospital after heart-attack
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
January 25 – Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Boris Kolesnikov (pictured), who is in charge of the country’s preparations for Euro 2012, is in stable condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack.
Poland and Ukraine confident Euro 2012 will be successful
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
January 24 – Polish and Ukrainian officials have been talking enthusiastically about Euro 2012, which is due to start in 500 days time, claiming that the event will boost tourism to both countries and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of citizens.