Prince Ali says two terms is enough for the FIFA top job
December 18 – The next FIFA president should not be in power for longer than two terms, according to Jordan’s candidate, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who lost last time to Sepp Blatter.
Hayatou and Kattner say reforms must be passed to ‘protect’ FIFA’s ‘future’
By Andrew Warshaw
December 18 – FIFA’s interim leadership has called on the organisation’s 209 member nations to approve the recently proposed package of reforms as a result of the corruption crisis “that has shaken global football governance to its core”.
Chinese FA sets new agenda as it builds on club successes
December 18 – The Chinese Football Association (CFA) completes its three day annual conference today in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Although the prospect of the country bidding to host the World Cup was not on the agenda for open sessions, it is believed it was discussed in closed meetings.
Chelsea tweet the blues as Leicester City break into top tier
By Paul Nicholson
December 18 – It has been a tumultuous week for Chelsea and Leicester City. On the pitch Leicester deepened the Blues at Chelsea with a Premier League victory that put them top of the league and eventually pushed Jose Mourinho out of Stamford Bridge. On twitter Leicester had the biggest percentage increase in followers of any Premier League club this week at 4.25% – Chelsea recorded a 0.45% increase.
Blatter’s lawyers confident as hearings conclude and wait for verdict begins
By Andrew Warshaw
December 18 – It is unlikely to be a particularly restful weekend for Sepp Blatter – or Michel Platini for that matter. After appearing before the very ethics committee he helped create, the FIFA president runs the risk of never being able to return to the building from which he has run world football’s governing body, often controversially, for the best part of 18 years.
Crystal Palace bank £100m of new American money
December 18 – More American money is joining the Premier League ownership roster with Josh Harris and David Blitzer, owners of NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, spending $100 million to buy a controlling stake in south-east London club.Crystal Palace.
Swiss freeze FIFA-related bank accounts on request of US
By Andrew Warshaw
December 17 – The Swiss Justice Ministry has frozen millions of Swiss francs related to FIFA as football’s worst ever corruption scandal took another unexpected twist.
FIFA candidates lined-up for Brussels beauty parade
By Paul Nicholson
December 17 – Three of the five FIFA presidential hopefuls will parade themselves before a Brussels forum next month to be grilled on their manifestos and plans for football’s world governing body.
Adidas chief raises question over FIFA sponsorship, but really has Nike in his sights
December 17 – Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer has raised a questionmark over his company’s future sponsorship of FIFA saying that of they are to continue then the governing body’s reform has to be robust and real.
Sexwale says old friends will not influence his new FIFA, if elected
December 17 – FIFA presidency candidate Tokyo Sexwale says he won’t let previous loyalties stand in his way if he wins the vote on February 26 next year.
Palestine/Israel talks continue to ‘seek solutions’ at Jericho meet
December 17 – The FIFA panel trying to bring about free movement of Palestinian players and equipment in the West Bank held its second session this week under the chairmanship of Tokyo Sexwale.
Dutch hit Twente with Euro ban and fine over TPO and Doyen’s dirty dealing
By Andrew Warshaw
December 17 – In the starkest example yet of the European crackdown on Third Party Ownership of players, Dutch top-flight club FC Twente have been banned from European competition for three years by their own federation.
Man Utd builds in India with roadshow dates in Bangalore and Mumbai
December 17 – Manchester United have continued their live event format in India with the addition of two new event days in Bangalore and Mumbai.
Blatter back at FIFA House to make his case before Ethics supremos
By Andrew Warshaw
December 17 – After protesting his innocence, Sepp Blatter was returning to the building where he has reigned for almost 18 years this morning to make a last-ditch defiant stand to save his battered reputation.
Somalia switches on to first live broadcast match
By Paul Nicholson
December 17 – Somalia makes a small but significant piece of national football history today with the first live football broadcast of a match played in the country.