FIGC extends deals with Compass and D&G
By David Gold
September 4 – The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has agreed deals to extend partnerships with Compass and Dolce & Gabbana in a boost to the national team.
Libyans celebrate crucial African Nations Cup win
By David Gold
September 3 – Libya won their first game since the overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi with a 1-0 win over Mozambique in neighbouring Egypt to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for next year’s African Nations Cup, being held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Maracanã development hit by second strike in as many weeks
By David Gold
September 3 – The renovation of the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, which will be the venue for the 2014 World Cup final, as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, has been hit by a second strike in as many weeks by construction workers.
Celtic reinstated in Europa League after FC Sion ban
By David Gold
September 2 – Celtic will take their place in the hardest group of the Europa League after their qualifying round opponents FC Sion were thrown out for flouting a FIFA ban on transfers.
Branding firm awarded for work on Qatar 2022 World Cup bid
By David Gold
September 2 – Branding experts Lambie-Nairn are to be honoured at the prestigious red dot design awards ceremony in Berlin later this year for the work they did on Qatar’s winning bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
DHL sign historic sponsorship deal with Manchester United
By David Gold
September 2 – Manchester United has agreed a £40 million ($66 million/€46 million) deal with DHL to sponsor their domestic training kit, which will last for four years, making it a first for the Premier League champions.
Summer transfer spending climbs new figures reveal
By David Owen
September 1 – Europe’s top football clubs shelled out increased amounts on new players during the summer transfer window, as the sport shrugged off the effects of the continent’s sluggish economic growth.
Manchester United back in the black
By David Gold
September 1 – Manchester United has announced profits of £29.7 million ($48 million/€34 million) as the English outfit’s owners, the Glazer family (pictured), prepare to partially float the club on the Singapore Stock Exchange in an attempt to reduce their £308 million ($499 million/€349 million) debts.
SAFA denies 2013 African Nations Cup hosting deal
By David Gold
September 1 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has denied claims that it will host the 2013 African Nations Cup, insisting that the final decision would be taken by the African Football Confederation (CAF) next month.
OSW secure broadcasting deal for 2014 World Cup qualifying matches
By David Gold
September 1 – North American Asian sports network One World Sports (OWS) has agreed a multi-platform rights deal in the region for a number of football matches from the third stage of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup, to be held in Brazil.
Zico takes over as coach of Iraq ahead of World Cup qualifiers
By David Gold
September 1 – Zico, the legendary Brazilian midfielder, has taken over as coach of the Iraqi national team, as the 2007 Asian Cup winners look for fresh inspiration following poor Gulf Cup and Asian Cup tournaments in the last year.
al-Serkal eyes top spot in Asia
By David Gold
September 1 – Yousuf al-Serkal has announced his intention to run for the Presidency of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as he looks to replace Mohamed Bin Hammam, who was banned from all football activities by FIFA after being found guilty of attempting to bribe Caribbean officials.
World Cup holders Japan face tough competition in London 2012 qualifying tournament
By David Gold
September 1 – World Cup winners Japan were one of six sides who kicked off the final women’s football qualification tournament for the London 2012 Games in Kuala Lumpur today.
Exclusive: We have done nothing wrong in replacing Fenerbahçe with Trabzonspor, claims UEFA official
By Andrew Warshaw
August 31 – UEFA were perfectly within their rights to replace disgraced Turkish champions Fenerbahçe with another Turkish club in this season’s Champions League, according to their competitions director.
English are out to “destroy FIFA” claims Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has taken another swipe at the English as he prepares to outline plans to reform the world governing body in the light of recent bribery scandals.