2022 World Cup drives Project Qatar growth
By David Gold
April 30 – Project Qatar 2011 has expanded significantly, largely thanks to the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Blatter will introduce Olympic-style voting system for World Cup if re-elected
By Andrew Warshaw
April 29 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter says all 208 member nations will choose future World Cup hosts, Olympic-style, if he is re-elected on June 1 – instead of the vote being determined by a select few.
Sky agree new three year Champions League deal
By David Gold
April 29 – Sky Sports has signed a deal to continue coverage of UEFA Champions League games until 2015.
Alan Hubbard: Cameron must stick to his guns as Robertson comes under fire from the football lobby
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David Cameron may bold enough to bomb Colonel Gaddafi but has he got the bottle to take on his own country’s football lobby?
I raise the question because of growing concern that the same back-stabbing cabal which did for Kate Hoey as Labour’s sports minister ten years ago apparently has it in for present Tory incumbent Hugh Robertson.
There is no doubt that the long knives are out for the minister,
Polish police warn of Euro 2012 ticket fraud
By David Gold
April 29 – Football fans have been warned by Polish police to ensure that they buy tickets for the 2012 European Championships from reliable sources to avoid the risk of fraud.
Barcelona and Real complain to UEFA as El Clasico row escalates
By David Gold
April 29 – The row between Real Madrid and Barcelona has escalated further still after Real insisted that they would report the Catalans to UEFA for their behaviour during the bad-tempered Champions League semi-final between the two sides on Wednesday night (April 27).
French Football Federation in ethnic quota row
By David Gold
April 29 – The French Football Federation (FFF) will hold an investigation into reports emanating from French website Mediapart, which claimed officials within the organisation are in favour of quotas limiting the number of players recruited by academies from immigrant communities.
Rangers hit with UEFA fine and supporter ban for sectarian chanting
By David Gold
April 28 – Rangers were fined €40,000 (£36,000/$59,000) and their fans banned from the club’s next European away game following the behaviour of its supporters during a Europa League match earlier this season.
Bin Hammam claims he is “well placed” in race against Blatter after meeting FA
By Andrew Warshaw
April 28 – FIFA Presidential contender Mohamed Bin Hammam flew into London for a meeting with Football Association officials today and afterwards declared himself “well-placed” in the contest against Sepp Blatter.
Ogura seeking Blatter’s help for Japan’s Copa America squad
By David Gold
April 27 – Junji Ogura, President of the Japanese Football Federation, is seeking FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s help in putting together a Japan squad for the Copa America this summer.
Liverpool nearly went out of business claims top UEFA official
By Andrew Warshaw
April 27 – The previous ownership at Liverpool was a classic example of why new financial fair play rules have to be introduced, a top UEFA adviser has warned.
BBC dismiss complaint that Panorama damaged England 2018
By Andrew Warshaw
April 27 – A complaint that the BBC damaged England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup by broadcasting a hard-hitting Panorama documentary presented by Andrew Jennings three days before the vote has been rejected by the Corporation’s governing body.
Blatter sends good luck message to Prince William
April 27 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has sent a personal message to Prince William and Kate Middleton ahead of the Royal Wedding on Friday (April 29).
Silva suggests São Paulo may miss out on hosting 2014 games
By David Gold
April 27 – Orland Silva, Brazil’s Sports Minister, has cast fresh doubt on whether São Paulo will be able to host games during the 2014 World Cup, with construction still yet to begin on the city’s Itaquera Stadium, which is intended to host the tournament’s opening match.
Mutko and Sorokin rewarded with top positions at Russia 2018
By Andrew Warshaw
April 27 – Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has been appointed chairman of the organising committee for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.