Manchester United launches Mumbai Soccer School
By David Gold
December 21 – Manchester United has launched a soccer school in Mumbai, India, after linking up with the Western India Football Association (WIFA).
Asia
Makudi cleared by FIFA over land deal
By Duncan Mackay at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo
December 17 – FIFA has cleared Executive Committee member Worawi Makudi over a controversial land deal where saw the head of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) accused of benefitting from development funds, Sepp Blatter announced here today.
Court of Arbitration for Sport set date for Bin Hammam hearing
By Andrew Warshaw
December 5 – Beleaguered former Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam will have the first of his two appeal hearings on January 23 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
AFC President Jilong puts controversy to bed saying it’s “business as usual”
By David Gold
November 24 – Zhang Jilong (pictured right), the acting President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has claimed that it is “business as normal” after a controversial year for the organisation.
Indian League has made progress since AFC stepped in, says Zhang Jilong
By David Gold
November 21 – Zhang Jilong (pictured), the acting President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has claimed that Indian football is making progress, at a meeting of an Ad Hoc Committee created to improve the state of the game in the country.
Makudi protests innocence over FIFA land deal
By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – Under-fire FIFA Executive Worawi Makudi has once again denied any wrongdoing as the net closes in around him for allegedly using development funds for his own use.
FIFA demand answers from Makudi over land purchase
By Andrew Warshaw
November 3 – Thailand’s Worawi Makudi is edging closer to becoming the latest FIFA powerbroker to face possible scandal despite denying he used development funds for his own purposes.
AFC hand out suspensions following Champions League semi-final brawl
By Andrew Warshaw
November 1 – One of the darkest days in the history of Asian club football resulted in mass suspensions being announced today by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
China turn to Japan for advice on how to succeed in football
By David Gold
October 19 – A delegation from China, including the Chinese Football Association (CFA) chief Wei Di, is in Japan to try to learn from its neighbours’ success on the football field.
Catch highlights from AFC Champions League on new YouTube channel
By David Gold
October 19 – Highlights from this week’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League semi-finals will be available to watch on a new YouTube channel, it has been announced.
Troubled start to Indonesian Football League sets the stage for a tumultuous season ahead
By David Gold
October 17 – The Indonesian Football League is in turmoil despite narrowly avoiding a ban from all Asian competitions when its new season got underway this weekend, with a new threat to issue a two-year suspension over its head.
Bin Hammam loses battle to retain control of Asia
By Andrew Warshaw
October 3 – Mohamed Bin Hammam’s latest attempt to regain both his pride and his standing in world football has failed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected his bid to be reinstated as head of Asian football.
Iraq forced to play qualifying matches on neutral grounds after FIFA ban
By David Gold
September 23 – Iraq will play its home qualifying games for the 2014 World Cup and the London 2012 Olympic Games at neutral venues, after FIFA expressed concern over security in the country.
China’s next generation of football hopefuls to train with Le Mans
By David Gold
September 19 – A deal has been agreed between the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and French Ligue 2 side Le Mans as part of the “Future Star” programme, which looks to give Chinese teenagers the chance to hone their skills abroad.
Makudi threatens legal action over GOAL allegations
By Andrew Warshaw
September 18 – FIFA Executive Committee member Worawi Makudi has threatened legal action over reports that money from development grants were spent building football facilities on land that he personally owned in and around Bangkok.