World Cup exit illustrates decline of Italian football
Blatter cleared in ISL case as FIFA names remain a mystery
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 24 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter was today cleared of any wrongdoing after the release of a Swiss court finding which claimed that senior FIFA officials were involved in a major bribery scandal.
Clinton gives US World Cup campaign big boost
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 24 – Former President Bill Clinton has given the United States bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup a massive boost by changing his travel plans so he can continue to support them in South Africa.
Okocha fails to get Nigerian Football Federation elections stopped
June 24 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has refused to stop the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) holding elections in August by a high-level delegation, including the country’s Sports Minister Isa Bio and former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha, who claim that the govering body is corrupt.
World Cup success paves way for Olympic bid says Zuma
By Duncan Mackay in Lausanne
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 23 – Jacques Rogge (pictured) today welcomed the possibility of a bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics from South Africa following the success of the FIFA World Cup.
Africa allowed to dream a little longer
By David Owen in Johannesburg
June 23 – Ghana kept the African flag flying tonight, securing passage to a second-round clash with the United States, victors over Algeria, on a frigid night at Soccer City.
South Africa proves that Africa can stage successful World Cup
June 22 – The success of the World Cup in South Africa should encourage other African countries to bid for the tournament, Issa Hayatou, the President of the Confdederation of African Football (CAF) has claimed.
Warner row continues as he calls for resignations
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 21 – The row over whether FIFA vice-president Jack Warner should be able to combine his role with a senior Cabinet post in the Trinidad and Tobago Government continues to rumble on even though he has been cleared to continue in both positions.
Ronaldo and Portugal fire World Cup warning
By David Owen in Cape Town
June 21 – Perhaps it will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup after all.
Andrew Warshaw: No-one is celebrating the Jabulani
Jabulani means “celebrate” in Zulu. But you would have to go a long way to find anyone, anywhere - player, coach or fan - remotely happy when it comes to the controversial ball being used in the World Cup.
After the vuvuzela, nothing has generated greater debate. Watch any game and watch freekicks flying over the bar, outfield players struggling with their control, passes being overhit and goalies fumbling.
Irish FA accounts reveal £516,000 spent on former chief executive
June 21 – It cost the Irish Football Association (IFA) £516,000 ($760,000) to get rid of chief executive Howard Wells (pictured), newly published accounts reveal.
Domenech unloved and unwanted by France
By Andrew Warshaw in Johannesburg
June 20 – Alas Poor Raymond…Just after the World Cup began, a headline in one of the South African supplements read, “Everybody Hates Raymond”.
Blatter invited to Downing Street by Cameron
June 19 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) has today been officially invited to Downing Street by Britain’s new Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Beckham claims dressing room incident blown out of proportion
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June 19 – David Beckham has described the moment he was confronted by an irate fan who walked unchallenged into the England team’s World Cup dressing room minutes after a visit by Princes William and Harry.
Jordaan living his dream despite Bafana Bafana
By Andrew Warshaw in Johannesburg
June 19 – Spare a thought for Danny Jordaan (pictured), the public face of the World Cup who campaigned tirelessly to bring it to South Africa.