Manchester United launches Mumbai Soccer School
By David Gold
December 21 – Manchester United has launched a soccer school in Mumbai, India, after linking up with the Western India Football Association (WIFA).
Japan release stamps to mark Women’s World Cup victory
By David Gold
December 21 – Japan is releasing a set of stamps to commemorate the country’s victory in the Women’s World Cup during the summer.
Sydney FC deny knowledge of match fixing as Chinese referee admits accepting bribes
By Andrew Warshaw
December 21 – The ongoing global crackdown on match-fixing has now reached Australia where Sydney FC have denied any knowledge of wrongdoing after a Chinese referee confessed in court to accepting bribes, one of them involving the club, whilst another was to fix a friendly involving Manchester United.
FA hand Suarez eight match ban for Evra comments
By Andrew Warshaw
December 20 – One of the most stringent punishments ever meted out by a national federation for racial abuse was imposed tonight on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez when he was banned for a staggering eight matches and fined £40,000 ($63,000/€48,000) by the English Football Association for comments allegedly made against Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
Sevilla President Del Nido given seven year prison sentence
By David Gold
December 20 – The Sevilla President, Jose Maria del Nido, has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of involvement in the embezzlement of public funds.
Exclusive: European clubs abort club versus country row peace talks
By Andrew Warshaw
December 20 – European clubs have called off a potentially ground-breaking peace deal with FIFA and UEFA that would have paved the way for easing the club-versus-country war after years of acrimony between the various parties.
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.