Qatar authorities defend air conditioning plan
By Andrew Warshaw
November 9 – Qatari authorities have hit back quickly at suggestions by one of their leading 2022 World Cup architects that air conditioning the stadiums is not the way forward.
Switzerland launch new kit against Netherlands
By Declan Warrington
November 14 – Switzerland have launched a new home kit in their match against the Netherlands.
Man arrested after Baroness Ford claims Tottenham put her board members under surveillance
By Mike Rowbottom at City Hall in London
November 8 – Baroness Margaret Ford, chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), today publicly accused Tottenham Hotspur of putting all her board “under surveillance” during the recently discontinued negotiations to decide the future owner of the London Olympics Stadium.
Cooling technology unsustainable for Qatar 2022 warns Populous principal
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – The architect designing one of Qatar’s main 2022 World Cup stadiums says air conditioning all the venues is the wrong approach.
Lisle Austin loses suspension appeal
By Andrew Warshaw
November 8 -Caribbean football has suffered another setback with the news that Lisle Austin of Barbados has lost his appeal against a one-year suspension.
John Barrow: Chelsea should remain at Stamford Bridge
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – Populous Senior Principal, John Barrow, has claimed that Chelsea should stay at Stamford Bridge rather than move away from what he called “their birthplace.”
“Barcelona is not a business, it is a feeling,” says Rosell
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has claimed that the European champions are not run like a business and that they “do not want profits”.
UEFA admit to reliance upon “luck of the draw”
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – The organiser of next year’s European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine admits that “the luck of the draw” could play a significant part in determining whether the event ends up being a success – off the field as much as on it.
Premier League official defends ticket prices
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 8 – The head of supporter relations at the Premier League, Cathy Long, has defended the pricing of tickets for fans wishing to watch games in the Premier League.
Russia to fast-track venue announcements for 2018 World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 7 – The selection of host cities for the 2018 World Cup is being brought forward to next year instead of 2013 to leave more time for preparation, Alexey Sorokin, chief executive of the Organising Committee, revealed here today.
Blatter hints at FIFA departures from the “football family”
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 7 – For the second time in as many days, the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, has hinted that heads could roll as part of his two-year plan to clean up the organisation after a year of unprecedented sleaze and scandal.
Barcelona President Sandro Rosell admits to financial concerns
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 7 – FC Barcelona President, Sandro Rosell, painted a dire picture today about the state of Spanish football, warning that several clubs faced demotion from La Liga or even extinction as a result of the financial squeeze.
Chelsea have to find stadium solution if they are not to fall behind, admits chief executive
By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 7 – Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay warned today that moving to a new stadium was “imperative” but that there was no chance of entering the debate to take over the Olympic arena in Stratford.
“Third party ownership only harmful when starts influencing game,” says Brazilian lawyer
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 7 – Marcos Motta, partner of the Brazilian law firm, RBMF Advogados, has defended the third party ownership structure that exists in Brazil which allows venture capitalists to invest in players and receive a portion of their transfer fees when they are transferred.
French club President reveals salary cap desire
By David Gold at the Dolder Grand in Zurich
November 7 – FC Lorient President Loic Fery has reiterated his desire to see a salary cap based on each league’s income from television revenues to prevent football from financial disaster, as revealed first on insideworldfootball last week.