FIFA signs up first Chinese World Cup sponsor
February 3 – Yingli Green Energy, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar panels, was unveiled as the first Chinese company to sponsor the FIFA World Cup today.
New Russian Football Union President to be elected today
February 3 – The new president of the Russian Football Union (RFU) will be elected in Moscow today in a vote that will decide the future of national team coach Guus Hiddink (pictured).
Rodney Marsh: John Terry is a rat but must stay as England captain
Anytime you have the kind of turmoil which has come from the revelations concerning John Terry and Wayne Bridge it, without a shadow of doubt, causes massive disruption within a squad.
There have been many cases of similar disgusting wrong-doings over the years which have led to training ground punch ups and eventual player transfers in an effort to keep the camaraderie alive in a sport that depends hugely on team spirit.
South African rugby season to continue during World Cup
February 2 – South Africa will play France in a Test match on June 12 in Cape Town, Springbok officials confirmed on Tuesday, dispelling doubts that the country would have to abandon its rugby union season because it clashes with the World Cup.
FIFA try to reassure South African media over press freedom for World Cup
By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – FIFA today issued a press release which seeks to reassure South Africa’s media that the purpose of accreditation terms is “not, and has never been, to restrict press freedom”.
Johnson to head London 2018 World Cup campaign
By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured) is take over as the head of a high-powered group co-ordinating the capital’s support for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, it was announced today.
Race for 2018 World Cup is still too early to call, claims Russian bid leader
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By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – It is too early to evaluate the strength of the candidates who want to host the 2018 World Cup, the head of Russia’s bid Alexey Sorokin (pictured) has claimed.
Mihir Bose: John Terry episode proves we are wrong to think footballers can be great role models
The story of footballers, their wives and girlfriends and what they get up to is always news and can have dramatic impact, as the following story illustrates. It is the night before a crucial England World Cup match. An England player has been told stories of his wife’s antics and he is quite frantic to know whether these stories are true.
Adebayor calls for Hayatou to step down after Togo ban
By Duncan Mackay
January 31 – Egypt’s 1-0 victory over Ghana in Luanda to win the African Cup of Nations for a third consecutive time today has been overshadowed by the anger of Togo at the decision to ban them from the next two editions of the tournament following their withdrawal after the terrorist attack on them before the event starts.
Andrew Warshaw: Every fair-minded fan should protest against Togo ban
Whatever happened to compassion, understanding and taking each case on its merits?
The recent decision by the Africa’s football confederation to ban Togo from the next two editions of the African Nations Cup following their withdrawal from the tournament in Angola was so mean-spirited it bordered on the immoral.
Australia still in the race for 2018 World Cup claims Lowy
By Duncan Mackay
January 31 – Australia are still serious contenders to host the 2018 World Cup after FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) claimed he had never said that only European bidders will be considered for the tournament with the other contenders left to battle for 2022, officials there claimed today.
Milutinović and Milla named as ambassadors for Qatar 2022
By Andrew Warshaw
January 30 – Bora Milutinović, the only man to have coached five different teams at the World Cup, is the latest high-profile ambassador to join Qatar’s bid to stage the 2022 tournament.
Beckham to continue playing after World Cup, says Gullit
By Steven Downes
January 29 – David Beckham (pictured) will not retire after this summer’s World Cup finals, according to one of his most recent club managers.
UEFA warn against mounting debt
By Andrew Warshaw
January 29 - UEFA’s general secretary Gianni Infantino (pictured) has painted a grim picture of the state of European football, revealing that 50 per cent of the biggest clubs are losing money.
Turkish Euro 2016 bid gets major investment boost
By David Owen
January 29 – The Turkish Government has announced plans for a colossal €27 billion (£23 billion) infrastructure upgrade, as the country vies for the right to stage the Euro 2016 football tournament.