FIFA fear empty stadiums at World Cup in South Africa
April 9 – South Africa World Cup organisers say 500,000 tickets are unsold and fear “tragic” empty stadiums at the sport’s showcase event.
People’s Rooney backs joint South-North Korean plan
April 9 – North Korean’s best-known player, Jong Tae Se, has backed plans for matches to be held north of the 38th parallel if South Korea’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup is successful.
England-US match target of al-Qaida
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April 9 – A branch of al-Qaida has threatened to target England’s match against the United States at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.
Ukraine given two months by Platini to sort out Euro 2012
April 8 – Ukraine have been given only two months to get preparations for the 2012 European Championships back on track if they are to continue to co-host them with Poland, UEFA President Michel Platini said today.
UEFA begin inspection of Turkey bid for Euro 2016
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April 8 – A 13-member delegation from UEFA has today began reviewing Turkey’s bid for Euro 2016 in Istanbul.
World Cup 3D schedule released
April 8 – The World Cup final at Soccer City in Johannesburg will be among 25 matches at this year’s tournament broadcast in 3D, it was announced today.
Australia will lose 2018, win 2022, claims former FFA chief
April 7 – Australia will lose its bid to host the 2018 World Cup, but win 2022, according to John O’Neill (pictured), the man credited with modernising the sport in the country and giving it the platform to launch a campaign.
Platini arrives in Ukraine to inspect facilities for Euro 2012
April 7 – A UEFA delegation headed by its President, Michel Platini, has arrived in Lviv on a two-day visit to check on the progress of the country’s troubled preparations for the 2012 European Championships.
Iran replaced by Thailand over hijab row
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 5 – FIFA have refused to back down in the row over Iran women’s football team being banned from wearing the hijab at the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore later this year and have announced that Thailand will replace them in the tournament.
Mihir Bose: No regulator will stop the Premier League juggernaut
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This could be a defining week for the Premier League.
By Wednesday no English club may be in the Champions League, the first time since 2003 they would have failed to go beyond the quarter finals. And what is more, the Ofcom ruling that Sky charges its rivals too much for rights could mean that in future earnings from televised rights could be affected.
Liverppool set to reject Rhône Group offer
April 4 – Liverpool are set to reject a bid for control of the club from New York-based fund management company Rhône Group, which would enable them to pay off £100 million of debt demanded by Royal Bank of Scotland.
Iran angry after women’s football team have hijab banned by FIFA
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 3 – The Iranian Olympic Committee has called on Muslim states around the world to protest to FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after the country’s women’s football team were banned were from wearing the hijab at this year’s inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Ukrainian President sets-up new Government committee for Euro 2012
April 3 - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (pictured) has set-up a new high-powered Government committee to oversee preparations for the 2012 European Championships, which he admits have fallen badly behind.
Fowler future in doubt after FFA save Fury
April 2 – The future of former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler (pictured) is in doubt after Football Federation Australia (FFA) rescued financially-stricken A-League club North Queensland Fury.
AFC set up panel to help football in India
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April 2 – A new panel has been set-up by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to help develop the sport in India, it has been announced.