May 14 – Togo have been officially cleared to play in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifying competition after an Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive meeting in Cairo, a statement released today said.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 14 – The leader of Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid insists his country deserves to stage the tournament over the rest of his European rivals.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 14 – Qatar officials bidding for the 2022 World Cup once again insisted today that the heat factor would not be a problem if they are given the green light to stage the tournament.
Under normal circumstances, FA Cup Final week should be about excitement, anticipation and gaining maximum publicity for all the right reasons.
But Portsmouth are no ordinary club as the last few months have starkly illustrated.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 14 – David Beckham today officially handed over England’s 2018 World Cup bid book, telling FIFA President Sepp Blatter that football “runs through the veins” of English fans.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 14 – The man leading Australia’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid says he will not be rushed into making a decision about which tournament to bid for.
By Tom Degun in London
May 14 – London Mayor Boris Johnson and Arsenal legend Ian Wright teamed up at London’s City Hall today to mark the handover of the England 2018 World Cup bid to FIFA.
As you read this I am in Zurich about to undertake the unique privilege of handing England’s Bid Book for the 2018/22 World Cup’s to the President of FIFA Sepp Blatter.
This is an amazing honour for any English man or woman.
May 12 – FIFA has suspended El Salvador from all international football, citing Government interference in issues of the national side as the reason for their decision.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 13 – Russia have tried to put a positive spin on their lack of modern football stadiums and facilities by claiming that awarding them the 2018 World Cup would help the development of the sport in the world’s biggest country, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov claimed today.
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 13 – Qatar will claim in their bid book to be handed to FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Zurich tomorrow that awarding them the 2022 World Cup would help build bridges between the East and West.
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 13 – As the nine countries bidding for the 2108 and 2022 World Cups prepare to hand over their carefully prepared bid books to FIFA here tomorrow, the man who has worked on no fewer than three bids has identified a major change of strategy.
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By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 12 – England’s World Cup bid is copying an idea from London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Parlaympics when it hands its bid book into FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Friday (May 14).
May 11 – FIFA took the decision to inject $100 million (£67 million) into the budget of this year’s World Cup in South Africa without being asked for it, officials there claimed today.
May 11 – Wallace and Gromit, created by Bristol-based Aardman Animations, are recreating Diego Maradona’s “hand of God” goal in an advert designed to back England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.