Arsenal extends deal with Citroën
By David Gold
August 24 – Arsenal has agreed to renew its relationship with automotive partner Citroën for a further three years in a bid to strengthen the team’s international presence.
Polish Parliament discuss racism following new findings
By David Gold
August 24 – Polish Parliamentarians have discussed the issue of racism following evidence presented to them by the anti-racial prejudice organisation Never Again ahead of next year’s European Championships, which are being held jointly with Ukraine.
Russian football flexes its muscles as Eto’o becomes world’s best paid player
By David Gold
August 24 – Russian football’s growing strength and financial muscle has been flexed this week as Cameroon forward Samuel Eto’o became the world’s best paid player as he signed for big spending Anzhi Makhachkala.
Egypt to host London 2012 football qualifier despite security concerns
By David Gold
August 23 – Egypt has been selected to host the men’s qualifying football tournament for the London 2012 Olympic Games, despite the precarious security situation in the North African nation.
Former London 2012 marketing director appointed new chief executive of QPR
By Duncan Mackay
August 22 – Philip Beard, who played a leading role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Premier League club Queens Park Rangers, it was announced today.
Wenger faces two-match ban
By Andrew Warshaw
August 22 – The crisis surrounding Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger went from bad to worse today when the Frenchman was handed a two-match ban from UEFA for breaching the terms of a previous Champions League suspension.
Exclusive: FIFA’s head of security calls for financial rewards for whistle-blowers
By Andrew Warshaw
August 22 – FIFA are being urged to consider a radical programme of financial rewards and amnesties designed to crack down on match-fixing and illegal betting, regarded as the biggest scourge affecting the global game.
BankMuscat backs Oman’s football team for Olympic and World Cup qualification
By David Gold
August 22 – Omani football has received a huge boost as BankMuscat, the nation’s largest financial services provider, has announced that it would be supporting the national football team in its bid to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Independent inquiry approves decision to award Olympic Stadium to West Ham
By Tom Degun
August 22 – An independent inquiry has upheld the Olympic Park Legacy Company’s (OPLC) decision to award the Olympic Stadium in Stratford to West Ham United following the London 2012 Games.
FIFA decision political, say Syria after World Cup ban
By David Gold
August 20 – Following Syria’s suspension from the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualification programme, the country has claimed that FIFA’s decision to kick them out of the competition was politically motivated.
David Gold: Will United sink or swim in partial flotation?
After months of speculation, Manchester United has confirmed that it will make 25 to 30 per cent of the club’s shares available to investors in a partial flotation later this year on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
Once again it raises searching questions about the club’s owners, the Glazer family, who burdened the club with significant debts when taking it over in 2005, and as a result are reviled by the United supporters.
Arsenal boss Wenger admits complete surprise at opening of disciplinary proceedings
By Andrew Warshaw
August 19 – UEFA has formally opened disciplinary proceedings against Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for allegedly breaching the terms of his Champions League touchline ban during this week’s qualifying tie against Udinese.
Brazil will be ready in time for 2014 World Cup insists President
By David Gold
August 19 – Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (pictured) has given a staunch defence of the country’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup despite continual delays on stadium renovation and the slow pace of expanding airport capacity.
Three-quarters of a million foreign visitors watched British football last year
By Marcus Crawley
August 19 – New figures released today by the national tourism agency revealed that more than 750,000 inbound visitors who came to Britain last year experienced a football game.
Workers go on strike at the Maracana following explosion
By David Gold
August 18 – Construction workers have gone on strike at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana following an explosion during renovation work.