Brazilian ace Carlos hits back at racists in hard-hitting TV advertisement
By David Gold
April 24 – Anzhi Makhachkala’s Roberto Carlos has told Russian football fans that “while you are throwing bananas I am fighting hunger in Brazil”.
Brazil ace Ronaldo to help preside over London 2012 football draws
By David Gold
April 23 – Former Brazil star Ronaldo will be the biggest name at the London 2012 Olympic Games football draw tomorrow – although Argentina, winner of the last two men’s tournaments, will be conspicuous by its absence.
Israeli FA appoint emergency committee following on-field brawl
By Andrew Warshaw
April 23 – Israel Football Association (IFA) chairman Avi Luzon has commissioned an emergency committee to deal with mounting unrest after the sport reached a new low in the country’s domestic league.
It’d be a dream to play in the Olympics, says Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi
By Andrew Warshaw
April 23 – Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi has spoken of his “dream” to play in the Olympics as one of the Gulf state’s three overage players if his country qualifies for London 2012.
South Africa launches 2010 World Cup Legacy Trust
By David Gold
April 23 – The 2010 World Cup Legacy Trust has been put into operation following its inaugural board meeting at South Africa Football Association (SAFA) House in Johannesburg.
Faster telecoms signals to provide Brazil 2014 with tangible legacy
By David Gold
April 23 – Brazil’s national telecommunications agency, ANATEL, has approved a bidding process to provide 4G signals to cities hosting games during the 2014 World Cup.
Former director could emerge as saviour of beleaguered Glasgow Rangers
By Andrew Warshaw
April 23 – The future of Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers continues to hang in the balance with former director Paul Murray re-emerging as one of the likeliest parties to table a formal takeover bid.
FIFA President Blatter pays hospital visit to check on predecessor Havelange
By Andrew Warshaw
April 22 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has visited his ailing predecessor, João Havelange, who has been in a Rio de Janeiro hospital for more than a month.
No Olympics for Euro 2012 football squad members, confirms English FA
By Andrew Warshaw
April 22 – The English Football Association (FA) today sought to diffuse a row over eligibility for London 2012 by confirming that no player selected for Euro 2012 will be chosen for Team GB.
Philip Barker: Time to celebrate Bill Slater, a footballer with a unique British sporting history
Born in 1927, Bill Slater is the only British footballer who can be mentioned in the same breath as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Michel Platini and Lev Yashin. All have graced the Olympic tournament and the World cup finals, but Slater was the first and so far only Briton to do so.
By 1952, Slater (pictured below left in 1960 and right in 2007) had already appeared in the FA Cup final (as an amateur with Blackpool).
Sony and Orange team up for Euro 2012 sponsorship
By David Gold
April 21 – Orange has agreed a partnership with Sony Mobile Communications to run competitions for the European Championships, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine this summer.
Copacabana beach is jewel in Fan Fest sites crown of Brazil 2014
By David Gold
April 21 – Supporters travelling to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup without tickets will still be able to watch matches courtesy of a giant screen on iconic Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, following confirmation of the 12 Fan Fest venues.
African Nations Cup host cities announcement delayed for second time
By David Gold
April 20 – The announcement of the host cities for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which was expected today, has been delayed for a second time, the South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed.
FIFA selects 84 officials from 36 countries for London 2012 football tournaments
By Andrew Warshaw
April 20 – The FIFA Referees Committee has confirmed the appointment of 84 officials from 36 countries to handle the men’s and women’s football tournaments at the London 2012 Olympics.
European football stakeholders sign landmark agreement tightening up player contracts
By Andrew Warshaw
April 20 – The main stakeholders in European football have joined forces to tighten up the rules over contracts for professional players.