Mutko says Blatter and Platini will be both be welcome at Russia 2018
February 9 – Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini will both be invited to the 2018 World Cup in Russia but in what capacity they would be permitted to attend is still not clear.
African solidarity splinters as Egypt, Liberia and South Sudan break ranks
By Andrew Warshaw
February 9 – Three African federations say they will openly defy an instruction to support front-runner Sheikh Salman in the upcoming FIFA presidential election, proof if ever it was needed that confederation directives are not always followed by individual voting members.
Exclusive: Enemy at the gates? Blatter will be blocked from attending Congress
By Andrew Warshaw
February 8 – Banned FIFA president Sepp Blatter will be turned away from the upcoming election to replace him, as well as risk an even more severe sanction, if he dares attend the congress on February 26, Insideworldfootball has learned.
Panic buyers: 5 PL clubs ‘overpay’ for players in January window
February 8 – The Jonjo Shelvey transfer showed €14.9 million of value to Newcastle, but they overpaid by €7 million for Andros Townsend, according to the latest report from the CIES Football Observatory.
Figueredo trades $10m in assets in bid to reduce jail time and stay safe
By Mark Baber
February 8 – Former president of the South American Football Confederation and former FIFA vice-President Eugenio Figueredo has agreed to hand over more than $10 million in stocks and property in a deal to reduce his punishment, according to Uruguayan prosecutor Juan Gomez.
Cayman’s Watson hammered as judge sends him down for 7 years
By Andrew Warshaw
February 8 – “Canover Watson’s fall from grace is now complete,” reported the local newspaper after yet another one-time high-profile FIFA figure brought shame upon football’s scandal-tarnished world governing body.
FIFA presidential race: Sexwale still in it, but losing chances to win it
February 8 – Tokyo Sexwale may be clutching at straws but he refuses to give up hope ahead of the FIFA presidential election – for the moment at least.
Hollywood comes to Old Trafford with 20th Century Fox deal
February 8 – Manchester United, giants of the small screen when it comes to TV ratings, have hooked up with big screen Hollywood film distributors 20th Century Fox to promote the studio’s films at its home game.
Africans come out in favour of Salman for FIFA presidency
By Andrew Warshaw
February 5 – Africa’s top brass have officially endorsed Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa’s bid to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, a massive boost for the Asian football leader but bad news for Africa’s only candidate for the post, Tokyo Sexwale.
Lazio escape with fine after racist chanting returns to Stadio Olimpico
By Mark Baber
February 5 – Racist chants by Lazio supporters, which led to the referee halting their Wednesday game against Napoli temporarily, have resulted in Lazio being fined €50,000 (£38,250) and being forced to close three sections of their Stadio Olimpico ground for their next two Serie A home games.
FIFA candidates wait for white smoke from the CAF exco powwow
By Andrew Warshaw
February 5 – African football officials are due to announce later today whether they will formally endorse the only candidate from their Continent in the FIFA presidential race, Tokyo Sexwale, or to back one of the other contenders.
Will he, won’t he? Is Blatter planning to attend February finale?
By Andrew Warshaw
February 5 – Banned FIFA president Sepp Blatter could make a defiant farewell appearance at the Congress that will elect his successor – even if he has been unable to clear his name in time.
Ticket tantrum: Liverpool fans plan walkout over £77 price hike
By Andrew Warshaw
February 5 – For the first time in their history, Liverpool supporters are planning to stage a walkout tomorrow during the Premier League fixture with Sunderland in protest at planned season ticket hikes for next season.
Argy bargy ends in sanctions for the fighting 15 as FA cracks down on violence
February 5 – The Argentine FA has sanctioned 15 players after a pre-season friendly between Estudiantes and arch-rivals Gimnasia La Plata was abandoned following a mass brawl.
Liverpool lose bid for €50m Texeira to lure of China’s Jiangsu Suning
February 5 – Chinese football has smashed its transfer record for the third time in 10 days after yet another much sought-after Brazilian opted to go east instead of remaining in Europe.