Nigerian President “bans” national team for two years
June 30 – Nigeria have been suspended from international football for the next two years – by the country’s President.
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.
African plants could be giving players anabolic steroid boost claims FIFA
February 21 – FIFA claimed today that they are concerned about players using undetectable stimulants derived from traditional African medicines that are not banned.
African Hall of Fame to be launched in Nigeria
January 18 – An hall of fame to celebrate the achievements of African footballers, such as Cameroon’s Roger Milla (pictured), is set to be launched in Nigeria later this year, it has been revealed.
Bartlett launches search for South African talent
By Duncan Mackay
January 4 – Some of South Africa’s former players, led by Shaun Bartlett (pictured), have launched a series of “boot camps” for teenagers as part of a new scheme bankrolled by Nike to try to find new young talent.
FIFA appoints interim head in Togo
January 3 - FIFA has appointed General Seyi Memene (pictured), a veteran Togolese football administrator, as interim head of the Togo Football Federation (TFF).
Nematandani threatens job cuts at SAFA
December 29 – Staff at the South African Football Association (SAFA) have been warned that many of them could lose their jobs in the New Year following a staff audit undertaken by new President Kirsten Nematandani (pictured).
South Africa Premier League records big loss
November 18 - South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) recorded a loss of R8.3 million (£660,000) after rising costs and a failure to secure sponsorship for the First Division plunged the company into the red, it was announced today.
FIFA to discuss solution to London 2012 football tournament age row
September 29 – FIFA officials will meet in Rio de Janeiro today to discuss possible changes on the age limit for players at the men’s Olympic football tournament at London 2012, the final of which is due to be held at Wembley.
Nigerian Government offer companies tax cuts to support Super Eagles
September 1 – Nigeria’s Government has offered companies the incentive of tax-cuts if they support the country’s bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, they have announced.
FIFA confirm they will conduct age testing at under-17 World Cup
August 31 - Bone tests will be performed on soccer players at the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria to catch teams with over-age players, FIFA confirmed today, as first reported on insidethegames.
Blatter launches review into 2012 Olympic football tournament
AUGUST 4 – FIFA PRESIDENT Sepp Blatter (pictured) today announced he planned to launch a review into the Olympic 2012 football tournament as he again urged Britain to field a team of Englishman in the event to avoid the fear of the Home Countries losing their independence.
Rogge wants no change to Olympic football for London 2012
June 13 – The Olympic football tournament at London 2012 seems set to retain its current format, leaving the door open for players like Wayne Rooney (pictured) to represent Britain.
Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said today that he has warned world governing body FIFA that the sport risks elimination if it adopts controversial proposals to make the tournament an event only open to under-21 players.
Rogge said he has made clear to FIFA President Sepp Blatter that the IOC will reduce the number of teams if FIFA goes through with the change.
Blatter wants under-21 teams in Olympic football tournament
FEBRUARY 1 – FIFA PRESIDENT Sepp Blatter (pictured) wants to lower the age limit for the Olympic soccer tournament and ban the addition of three over-23 players, he said today.
FIFA deal ensures football’s participation in 2012
FIFA today agreed to adopt the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) revised drug testing code, thus avoiding another potential row over football’s future in the Olympics.