Russia put domestic tragedies behind them
By Andrew Warshaw
December 14 – Russia have re-iterated their determination to stage the 2018 World Cup by stressing again that the country has all the necessary tools to meet FIFA requirements.
Bidders for England 2018 have last chance to impress
By Duncan Mackay
December 14 – The cities and towns bidding to be part of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup were today beginning to make their final presentations in the hope of convincing officials that they should be chosen.
David Owen: Will anyone stand against Sepp Blatter?
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We were there to watch the World Cup draw.
But I spent a fair bit of time in South Africa talking about FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s ambitions for a fourth term, including with FIFA movers and shakers.
Australia World Cup bid accused of chasing a dream at expense of everything else
By Duncan Mackay
December 14 – Jeff Kennett (pictured), one of Australia’s most prominent politicians and now the President of leading Australian Football League (AFL) club Hawthorn, has warned that the organisers behind the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup are prepared to chase their dream at the expense of everyone else.
Stoke City ready to become first club to offer England bid cash
December 14 – Stoke City have become the first Premier League club to publicly declare that they are prepared to financially back England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup with a donation of £250,000.
Mihir Bose: Football must embrace modern technology
I have never been able to understand why football’s administrators, who make such extravagant claims on behalf of the game, have not been able to come to terms with the modern world.
De Boer: Qatar can win 2022 World Cup bid
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By Duncan Mackay
December 13 – Ronald De Boer (pictured right), the former Barcelona and Holland star, said that he is supporting Qatar’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup because he believes the tiny country on the Arabian Peninsula can put on the best tournament.
Rival codes will not scupper Australian World Cup bid says Buckley
By Duncan Mackay
December 13 – The row between the rival codes will not be allowed to overshadow the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, the head of Football Federation Australia (FFA) Ben Buckley (pictured) promised today.
All Whites seeking to reach Brazil reach Asia
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December 12 – New Zealand have opened discussions with international officials about retaining the present system of World Cup qualification for the 2014 tournament that would see them trying to reach Brazil via the Asian route.
Hull pinning future on being chosen for England 2018
December 12 – Hull City’s future could depend on the KC Stadium being chosen to be one of the venues for the 2018 World Cup if England’s bid is successful, the club’s chairman Adam Pearson has claimed.
Ford confirmed as new chief executive of FAW
December 11 – The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has officially unveiled former Coca-Cola marketing guru Jonathan Ford (pictured) as its new chief executive, as first revealed by insideworldfootball last month.
Australia should concentrate on 2022 World Cup says Beckenbauer
By Duncan Mackay
December 11 – Franz Beckenbauer (pictured) has again praised Australia’s bid to host the World Cup but warned, that with the 2018 tournament set to come back to Europe, then 2022 is a more realistic opportunity.
Platini confirms Ukraine venues for Euro 2012
By Duncan Mackay
December 11 – UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured) today ratified the four Ukrainian cities chosen to host the 2012 European championships with the final to take place in Kiev.
Capello in pay league of his own
December 11 – England coach Fabio Capello (pictured) is paid more than any other manager at next summer’s World Cup, according to a report published today.
Police rule out criminal investigation into Birmingham City
December 11 – West Midlands Police have ruled out a criminal investigation into allegations of “financial irregularities” in the accounts of Premier League Birmingham City, they announced today.