Warner fallout catches Sheikh Salman in the after shock
April 26 – The shockwaves from Jack Warner’s ‘Straight Talk’ public meeting last night have reached as far as under-fire AFC presidential candidate Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa.
Warner straight talks his way out of parliament dropping bombs on CONCACAF and FIFA on the way
By Andrew Warshaw
April 26 – Embattled former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, renowned for his often outrageous rants during a scandal-tarnished career in football, launched one final no-holds-barred attack on his critics Thursday as he reluctantly stepped down as a politician in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
Man City favourites to take their Blue Moon to New York and the MLS
April 26 – Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has said the league is hoping to announce a second franchise in New York in the next four to six weeks. That team will not be the New York Cosmos.
Bahrain human rights group asks FIFA to withdraw Salman from AFC elections
By Mark Baber
April 25 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has been urged by two human rights organisations to step in and prevent Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa of Bahrain (pictured) from running next week for President of the Asian Football Confederation and a position on FIFA’s all-powerful executive committee.
Exclusive: Time running out for AFC west Asian presidential contenders over who should stand down
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
April 26 – The three West Asian contenders fighting to become the next head of Asian football have failed to reach a consensus on putting forward one sole candidate for next week’s presidential election but are set to hold further private talks in the build-up to the vote.
Osasu Obayiuwana: What is talent without character?
After watching this pint-sized Uruguayan, on a bitterly cold winter’s night, at Johannesburg’s Soccer City, blatantly cheat his way to the 2010 World Cup semi-final, in front of nearly 90,000 witnesses, as well as have the temerity to subsequently gloat about his act of theft, I have found it very hard to have any regard for Luis Suarez.
And so do many people around the African continent, especially folks that come from Ghana.
Welsh clubs plan to build on their success
By Tom Parsons
April 25 – Cardiff City are looking to expand their 26,828 all-seated stadium to a 35,000 all-seater – and it could be ready in time for the 2014/15 season.
FIFA greenlights museum project but moves location into Zurich
April 25 – FIFA is launching a museum in its home city of Zurich designed to be a meeting place for the entire football family including fans, clubs and sponsors.
Exclusive: Makudi says he can win AFC race and has the support of his friends
By John Duerden
April 25 – Worawi Makudi, one of four candidates in the running to become the president of the Asian Football Confederation in next Thursday’s election, has told Inside World Football that he has enough support to win.
Why World Cup preparation often needs the Iron Fist of democracy
By Andrew Warshaw
April 25 – FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, never afraid to speak his mind when it comes to the problems involved with next year’s World Cup, has talked openly about the challenges of working with local hosts.
Salman issues second denial after US human rights group’s letter to AFC members
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
April 25 – A week ahead of the eagerly awaited election to choose a new leader to clean up Asian football, Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is again having to fend off serious allegations of human rights abuses in his country.
Figueredo steps in for interim after Leoz’s sudden exit
By Andrew Warshaw
April 25 – Uruguay’s Eugenio Figueredo (pictured) has taken over the running of South American football following the resignation of CONMEBOL president Nicolas Leoz.
Albertini suggests cutting Serie A to 16 or 18 to bring back competitive edge
By Mark Baber
April 25 – Italian football federation vice-president Demetrio Albertini has suggested cutting Italy’s Serie A to 18 or even 16 teams.
FIFA provides assurances Brazil 2014 will enjoy a local flavour
April 25 – As World Cup 2014 nears, hype, rumour, misinformation and emotions is rising -are starting to raise a level – and nowhere more so than in Brazil itself.
Suarez ban has wider implications for Liverpool’s brand
By Andrew Warshaw and Mark Baber
April 25 – Liverpool have expressed their “shock and disappointment” after striker Luis Suarez was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic towards the end of Sunday’s 2-2 draw.