Inside World Football - Page 1830 of 2159 - For the Business of Football

Osasu Obayiuwana: Realpolitik is the cog in FIFA’s reform wheel

Anyone seeking revolutionary change to the way in which FIFA does its business would certainly be underwhelmed with the changes to be proposed at next month’s congress in Mauritius.

As the stone-cold reality continues to sink in, that key suggestions of the IGC, led by Professor Mark Pieth, are not going to be implemented in the way originally proposed – a roadmap which well-meaning people within the fraternity keenly support – it is time to acknowledge that the harsh,

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75% supertax looms threateningly over French clubs and players

Noël Le Graët

By Mark Baber
April 3 – The French government remains determined to fulfil its manifesto commitment to bring in a new 75% supertax, despite judicial setbacks. The supertax will apply to companies who pay salaries over €1 million, including football clubs.

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April date for ‘bonfire-gate’ hearing in Zurich

england fans

By Andrew Warshaw
April 3 – England’s fate over the alleged racist abuse directed towards defender Rio Ferdinand and his brother Anton could be heard by FIFA as early as April 10.

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Al Serkal hits AFC campaign trail venturing into Makudi’s heartland

yousuf al serkal

By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
April 3 – Yousuf Al Serkal, one of the four contenders bidding to become the next Asian Football Confederation president, is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to snatch victory in next month’s election in Kuala Lumpur.

Lee Wellings

Lee Wellings: Caution needed in di Canio storm

I didn’t think I’d be returning to the subject of racism in football quite this quickly.

But the stories are coming thick and fast as is the political manoeuvring from football’s leaders.

So the last thing that is needed is anything that threatens to dilute the very real, very serious issue of racism in football 2013. Anything that is grey – not black and white – poses a big problem. And yet it seems for each disgusting act from the terraces or on the pitch there is now an inconclusive allegation.

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Latecomer GoalControl crosses finishing line first for Confederations Cup

GoalControl technology

By Andrew Warshaw
April 3 – The last will be first and the first will be last may have biblical origins but FIFA have applied the exact same philosophy to its decision to hand the landmark contract for goalline technology at this summer’s forthcoming Confederations Cup to the German company GoalControl.

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US Soccer kicks off Centennial Week at the NYSE

NYSE closing bell ringing by USSF

By Mark Baber
April 3 – US Soccer yesterday kicked off its Centennial Week by ringing the New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell, with commemoration events planned for the rest of the week including the 2013 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Class, soccer in New York’s Times Square and a Women’s National Team Watch Party on Friday.

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Indians look to Dubai for franchise investors in I-League

i-league

By Mark Baber
April 3 – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is looking for investors interested in setting up new franchise clubs on the sub-continent to promote football as a sport in India and establish an international recognition for its I-league.

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Miliband resigns as Sunderland appoint ‘fascist’ Di Canio to lead relegation fight

david miliband

By Mark Baber
April 2 – High profile UK politician David Miliband resigned on Sunday from his position as vice-Chairman and non-executive director at Sunderland football club in protest at the appointment of Paolo di Canio, citing the new manager’s past political statements.

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Al-Thawadi promises a bigger voice for Asia at football’s top table

hassan al thawadi

By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – The chief organiser of the 2022 Qatar World Cup insists he doesn’t need to win the upcoming vote for a place on the top table at FIFA simply so that he can “protect” the Gulf state’s right to stage the tournament.

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Warner hits back as government asks for US clarification over FBI probe

jack warner

By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – Former FIFA powerbroker Jack Warner has spoken out for the first time following reports of an FBI probe into alleged corruption linked to his family.

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Palestine gets $4.5m financial boost to build facilities

palestinian football

By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – Palestinian football is to receive a major injection of support from FIFA as it strives to enhance its development despite continuing conflict and hardship in the war-torn region. FIFA are donating a $4.5m grant which Palestinian officials hope will change the global view of the area and promote football as a tool for change.

Jean Francois Tanda

Jean Francois Tanda: Oxygen for the people

The moment of truth is approaching. By April 15, the world will get to know how FIFA is going to handle the famous ISL dossier, i.e. the bribes paid to high ranking FIFA officials by its former marketing partner.

It will be a litmus test for FIFA and its reforms. The world is keen to see if FIFA is really serious about cleaning up the mess of the past. If FIFA seriously wants to reboot,

Africa

FIFA caution South Africans about government interference in football

south african football

By Andrew Warshaw
April 1 – FIFA have written to the South African government warning them against a judicial inquiry into the country’s recent match-fixing scandal, insisting the matter must be handled by the football authorities. Government interference in football, typically frequent in Africa and Asia, is banned by FIFA who have not been afraid to issue to warnings and sanctions.

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World Exclusive: Qatar to acquire Jersey, relocate World Cup

jersey cows

Doha, April 1, 2013 – In a surprise move, Qatar has announced the imminent purchase of Jersey, a Bailiwick of HM The Queen, and declare it a “Qatar Overseas Territory” (similar to the French equivalents of Guadeloupe and Martinique, both of which are “Départements d’Outre-mer” – Overseas Departments of France).