Japan to replace Uzbekistan as FIFA 2012 under-20 World Cup hosts
By David Gold
December 20 – Japan is set to host the FIFA 2012 Women’s under-20 World Cup after Uzbekistan was stripped of the right to stage the event.
West Ham supporters group claim agreement with board over Stadium bid
By David Gold
December 20 – A group representing West Ham United supporters, WHU’s view, have claimed to have reached an agreement with the club’s vice-chair Karren Brady to hold a thorough ballot before bidding to move into the Olympic Stadium, after the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) today re-opened the tender process for interested parties wishing to take on the tenancy of the venue after London 2012.
Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales look to Scotland to reduce Carling Nations Cup fees
By David Gold
December 19 – Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are hoping to come to agreement with Scotland over their fees for the Carling Nations Cup tournament, which took place earlier this year, and avoid bringing FIFA into the dispute.
Doni arrested again in latest Italian match fixing probe
By David Gold
December 19 – Former Italy midfielder Cristiano Doni, who was banned from football for three-and-a-half years earlier in 2011, has been arrested today by police investigating another match fixing and betting scandal in the country.
Under investigation Nicholas takes up FIFA anti-corruption role
By Andrew Warshaw
December 19 – Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) general secretary Tai Nicholas has been given a prominent place on one of FIFA’s four new anti-corruption platforms despite facing contempt proceedings from the Fijian Government.
Moynihan backs Pearce’s London 2012 selection policy
By Andrew Warshaw
December 19 – British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan has given his backing to the decision that no players selected for England’s squad for the European Championship finals next summer will double up for Team GB at London 2012.
Rangers FC extend partnerships with Coca-Cola and Powerade
By Declan Warrington
December 18 – Glasgow Rangers have extended their drink partnerships with Coca-Cola Enterprises and Powerade for a further two years.
Head of Swiss FA hits back over FIFA threat to suspend Switzerland from international football
By Andrew Warshaw
December 18 – The head of the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has implied that FIFA bullied his federation into an impossible position by threatening a suspension from all international football over the Sion affair.
Wenger won’t stop players competing at London 2012
By David Gold
December 18 – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has indicated that he will not prevent his players from competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games next year, despite having previously stated his opposition to their participation.
Proposal to lift ban on hijab to be put forward to football rule-makers
By Duncan Mackay at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo
December 18 – A plan to lift a controversial ban on women wearing a hijab, he Islamic headscarf, is set to be put before the International Football Association Board (IFAB) next year.
Switzerland facing international exile because of Sion affair
By Duncan Mackay at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo
December 17 – Switzerland face the prospect of being banned from world football unless they take action against FC Sion, who have conducted a high-profile legal campaign to oveturn a ban from the Europa League.
“There is no action required” over Hayatou claims FIFA President
By Duncan Mackay at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo
December 17 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has thrown his full support behind Issa Hayatou, the head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who earlier this month was reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Former British Attorney General appointed to FIFA Governance Committee
By Duncan Mackay at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo
December 17 – Britain’s former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith (pictured) has joined FIFA’s new Independent Governance Committee, it was revealed here today.
Romário delighted by Ronaldo’s involvement with Brazil 2014
By David Gold
December 19 – Romário has praised fellow Brazilian great Ronaldo’s involvement in the Organising Committee for the 2014 World Cup, saying that his face means they have “everything to make the competition a success”.
Makudi cleared by FIFA over land deal
By Duncan Mackay at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo
December 17 – FIFA has cleared Executive Committee member Worawi Makudi over a controversial land deal where saw the head of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) accused of benefitting from development funds, Sepp Blatter announced here today.