Over $3 billion spent on 2011 world transfers, reveals FIFA
By David Gold
March 5 – FIFA has revealed that over $3 billion (£1.88 billion€2.25 billion) was spent last year on more than 11,500 transfers in the men’s world football market.
Puma extends deal with Italian Football Federation to Russia 2018
By David Gold
March 5 – Puma has extended its long term partnership with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) through to the World Cup in Russia in 2018, it has been announced.
FFA has lurched from one disaster to another and needs replacing, claims Gold Coast owner
By David Gold
March 5 – The battle between Clive Palmer (pictured) and Football Federation Australia (FFA) has been ratcheted up again after the Gold Coast United owner vowed to create a new governing body for football in the country.
European fans believe foreign owners do not have clubs’ best interests at heart, reveals new study
By Andrew Warshaw
March 5 – The latest managerial sacking by Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich (pictured) has been put into stark perspective by a new report showing fans are generally against having foreigners in charge of their clubs.
Price of Champions League final tickets slashed by UEFA
By Andrew Warshaw
March 5 – UEFA are slashing ticket prices for this season’s Champions League final in Munich following a barrage of criticism about the expense of watching last year’s showpiece event for grassroots fans.
English league giants Arsenal and Man City to play high profile friendly in China
By David Gold
March 5 – Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City will play a high profile friendly in China’s Olympic Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing on July 27, the day of the start of the Olympic Games in London.
We will organise an impeccable World Cup, insists Brazil 2014 boss Teixeira
By Andrew Warshaw
March 5 – Controversial FIFA powerbroker Ricardo Teixeira (pictured), the increasingly under fire head of Brazilian football, has unexpectedly stepped into the escalating row over preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
Former Interpol director Ralf Mutschke named as FIFA’s director of security
By Andrew Warshaw
March 5 – FIFA has been quick to fill the gap to be left in May when Chris Eaton, their director of security, leaves after becoming arguably the game’s most high-profile figure in the battle against global match fixing.
Tickets on sale for London 2012 Olympic football test event
By Tom Degun
March 5 – Tickets have gone on sale for the London 2012 Olympic football test event on April 23 at the City of Coventry Stadium (pictured) where a vital match will take place offering the final qualifying place in the men’s Olympic football tournament.
Brazil threatens to cut ties with FIFA’s Valcke after latest comments cause fury
By Andrew Warshaw in Bagshot
March 3 – The war of words between FIFA and Brazil over the 2014 World Cup appeared to reach breaking point today as both sides continued to exchange barbs over the perceived lack of progress in preparations.
Ban on women footballers wearing hijab to be lifted
By Andrew Warshaw in Baghsot
March 3 – The ultra-conservative International Football Association Board (IFAB), comprising FIFA and the four British Home Associations, rarely if ever reverses its decisions but made an exception by unanimously agreeing to lift the ban on the Islamic headscarf being worn by female footballers, pending health and safety checks.
Goalline technology could be in place by end of 2012 after historic decision
By Andrew Warshaw in Bagshot
March 3 – After years of foot-dragging, goalline technology moved a vital step forward today, with FIFA even suggesting it could be introduced before the end of this year.
Brazilians need a “kick up the backside” says FIFA general secretary
By Andrew Warshaw in Bagshot
March 3 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke has lost his patience over 2014 World Cup host Brazil’s lack of cooperation, declaring organisers need “a kick up the backside”.
Match fixing is a huge issue that needs to be tackled, warns Prince Ali
By Andrew Warshaw in London
March 3 – Asian football supremo Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein (pictured) has reiterated the dangers of match fixing following the suspicious World Cup qualifier between Indonesia and Bahrain on Wednesday.
Aston Villa announce record losses
By David Gold
March 2 – Aston Villa have lost a record £54 million ($86 million/€64 million) for the year ending May 31, 2011, though they have made £92 million ($146 million/€109 million) in revenues, also a new club record.