By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
November 30 – Will Vladimir Putin come or won’t he? That was the burning question on everyone’s lips as Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid team made their final media appearance today before putting the finishing touches to their campaign to become hosts for the first time.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
November 30 – UEFA president Michel Platini has played down a BBC investigation into alleged corruption within FIFA and says it should not affect England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup.
By Tom Degun in London
November 30 – Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson told insideworldfootball England must stress the core elements of their 2018 World Cup bid to the all-important 22 FIFA voting members.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
November 29 – The 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process was plunged into further disarray today when it emerged that Oceania may still be allowed to vote without suspended FIFA Executive Committee member Reynald Temarii having to waive his right of appeal.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
November 29 – England’s 2018 World Cup bid chief Andy Anson promised today to “fight like crazy” to secure the required number of votes to get England over the line in Thursday’s ballot.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
November 29 – Renewed corruption allegations involving FIFA Executive Committee members surfaced today just days before they are due to appoint the hosts of football’s 2018 and 2022 World Cups under the eyes of world leaders.
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Once the white smoke from FIFA’s conclave of cardinals has dissipated into the clear alpine air on Thursday (December 2), the way will be clear for an almighty inquest into the way English football is run.
The disappointing nature of the national team’s 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa has ensured this inquest will happen whether or not England’s bid to stage world football’s flagship tournament in 2018 succeeds.
But,
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has asked FIFA to allow it to send a replacement for next week’s World Cup vote following the suspension of its President, Reynald Temarii (pictured), in order to retain a say in deciding the venues for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – Britain’s Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt says he has been assured by FIFA voting members that England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup will not be adversely affected by the recent spate of newspaper corruption allegations and a forthcoming television broadcast.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Prime Minister David Cameron today stepped into the row over the forthcoming BBC Panorama programme that threatens to heap embarrassment on FIFA three days before the 2018 World Cup vote is taken.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – The Holland/Belgium 2018 World Cup team today announced a heavyweight delegation to take to Zurich for the December 2 announcement, headed by bid President Ruud Gullit and the country’s most iconic footballing figure, Johan Cruyff (pictured).
November 26 – Spurs have agreed a one year extension of their deal with Puma, which will supply the club with technical and replica kit and trainingwear for the next five seasons.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Five former England internationals will join Prince William, Prime Minister David Cameron and David Beckham as part of the England 2018 delegation for the World Cup vote in Zurich next week.
By Andrew Warshaw at Wembley
November 26 – The chairman of Wembley Stadium has promised the pitch will be in perfect condition for this season’s Champions League final.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – England 2018 ambassador Gary Lineker has urged FIFA not to be swayed by politics at next week’s eagerly awaited World Cup vote.