Myanmar’s 2018 ban is lifted by FIFA
By David Gold
November 9 – The first country to be eliminated from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Myanmar, is now back in contention to qualify after FIFA annulled their tournament expulsion.
Chinese media demand ‘El Clasico’ is played at midday
By David Gold
November 9 – Following calculations that 60 million Chinese fans tuned in live to see Real Madrid’s 7-1 win over Osasuna on Sunday (November 6), China’s media want the Clasico between the league leaders, Real, and the current champions, Barcelona, to be played at midday.
South African businessman seeks compensation after 2010 World Cup hospitality company fails
By David Gold
November 9 – An African businessman is seeking 506 million South African rand (£40 million/$63 million) from the Department of Education in Gauteng to compensate the losses made by his now liquidated hospitality company, set up to provide a range of services for the 2010 World Cup.
Jerome Valcke urges Brazil to hurry in World Cup preparations
By Andrew Warshaw
November 9 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke has warned Brazil once again that they are lagging behind schedule and that there is “not a day to lose” in organising the World Cup.
FIFA reiterate poppy ban for England friendly
By Andrew Warshaw
November 9 – The relationship between FIFA and the English football authorities has reached a new low after world football’s governing body again rejected a request for the England team to wear poppies on their shirts during Saturday’s friendly with Spain – 24 hours before Remembrance Sunday.
Luciano Moggi sentenced to five years in prison for Calciopoli scandal
By David Gold
November 9 – The Juventus general manager at the time of the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, Luciano Moggi, has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison after being found guilty of sporting fraud and conspiracy by a court in Naples.
Qatar authorities defend air conditioning plan
By Andrew Warshaw
November 9 – Qatari authorities have hit back quickly at suggestions by one of their leading 2022 World Cup architects that air conditioning the stadiums is not the way forward.
Switzerland launch new kit against Netherlands
By Declan Warrington
November 14 – Switzerland have launched a new home kit in their match against the Netherlands.
Man arrested after Baroness Ford claims Tottenham put her board members under surveillance
By Mike Rowbottom at City Hall in London
November 8 – Baroness Margaret Ford, chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), today publicly accused Tottenham Hotspur of putting all her board “under surveillance” during the recently discontinued negotiations to decide the future owner of the London Olympics Stadium.
Cooling technology unsustainable for Qatar 2022 warns Populous principal
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – The architect designing one of Qatar’s main 2022 World Cup stadiums says air conditioning all the venues is the wrong approach.
Lisle Austin loses suspension appeal
By Andrew Warshaw
November 8 -Caribbean football has suffered another setback with the news that Lisle Austin of Barbados has lost his appeal against a one-year suspension.
John Barrow: Chelsea should remain at Stamford Bridge
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – Populous Senior Principal, John Barrow, has claimed that Chelsea should stay at Stamford Bridge rather than move away from what he called “their birthplace.”
“Barcelona is not a business, it is a feeling,” says Rosell
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has claimed that the European champions are not run like a business and that they “do not want profits”.
UEFA admit to reliance upon “luck of the draw”
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – The organiser of next year’s European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine admits that “the luck of the draw” could play a significant part in determining whether the event ends up being a success – off the field as much as on it.
Premier League official defends ticket prices
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – The head of supporter relations at the Premier League, Cathy Long, has defended the pricing of tickets for fans wishing to watch games in the Premier League.