Aussies target hosting of 2023 World Cup, and winning it
June 13 – Australia is to launch a bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup after the country’s federal government has pledged its support to stage the tournament.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Xi Jingping and Infantino meeting ignites more 2030 World Cup bid speculation
By Mark Baber
June 13 – As China continues to increase its investments in football, at home and abroad, Wednesday’s meeting between President Xi Jinping and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Beijing has ignited speculation on a potential Chinese World Cup bid for 2030.
Neymar, Alli and Kane all have higher transfer values than Messi and Ronaldo
June 12 – Neymar has the highest transfer value in the world at €210.7 million, according to latest data. Tottenham’s Dele Alli is second placed, €55 million less than Neymar at €155.1 million, but worth €1.5 million than third placed teammate Harry Kane. Both are ahead of Lionel Messi who is valued at €151.7 million. Messi topped the list in 2016 with a €211.1 million transfer valuation.
Subbuteo builds its global football fingerprint with Asian confederation
By Paul Nicholson
June 13 – The rapidly re-growing sport of Subbuteo – the table football game where players use their fingers to move figures on the pitch to score goals – is adding a new regional confederation in Asia to help develop the sport in the region.
Infantino backs Qatar 2022 saying there is plenty of time for diplomacy to work
By Paul Nicholson
June 12 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence that the diplomatic crisis surrounding Qatar in the middle east will not threaten the 2022 World Cup, but that FIFA is monitoring the situation closely.
China wins the World Cup of acquisitions with €2.1bn buying spree
By Paul Nicholson
June 12 – If there was a World Cup for mergers and acquisitions in football, China would win it. Over the last three years Chinese investors have spent €2.1 billion acquiring non-Chinese football assets outside the country. Second placed USA spent just €313 million over the same period.
Nigeria: no balls, no goals and an emergency summons from the sports minister
By Mark Baber
June 12 – A busy weekend of international football saw African Cup of Nations qualification under way in earnest, with all 48 teams in contention having now completed their first game in the Group stage, whilst European qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup have passed the halfway stage.
Roberto Carlos denies doping allegations as film unmasks Brazilian drug culture
By Samindra Kunti
June 12 – German broadcaster ARD has aired a documentary revealing possible connections between a doping doctor and Brazilian elite football. Former star Roberto Carlos, who is among those accused, has denied all allegations.
World Cup Qualifying: Andorra’s shock win as US grab rare point in Mexico City
By Mark Baber
June 12 – This weekend’s qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2018 has seen all 52 teams vying for the 13 World Cup spots allocated to UEFA reach six matches completed in the first round group stage.
Kluivert leaves PSG as French giants reshuffle coaching team
June 12 – Paris Saint-Germain have reshuffled their sporting directors with the arrival of Antero Henrique and the departure of Patrick Kluivert as the club seek to reboot after a season of regression.
England defeat Venezuela to claim U20 World Cup title in Korea
June 12 – England won their first FIFA world title for 51 years in Suwon, South Korea after their U20s overcame Venezuela in the final 1-0. Venezuela, in their first ever FIFA World Cup final, had a 75th minute penalty saved in the second half that would have levelled the game.
Capello joins the China brain drain. Focus will be on local players
June 12 – Fabio Capello is back in team management having signed a deal to take charge of Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning. Capello extends the Italian connection with Suning Sports, owners of Jiangsu and majority owners of Italy’s Internazionale.
Samoura steps into Sudan FA row to protect local proxies
By Andrew Warshaw
June 9 – One month after suspending the elections of the Sudan Football Association (SFA) at the request of the incumbent SFA officals, FIFA have now threatened to throw out the African country altogether if a controversial government decree is not revoked within the next 24 hours.
Fiery nights in AFC club comps force clamp down on violent incidents and abuse of officials
June 9 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has moved swiftly to suspend Malaysian Mohd Farizal Bin Marlias for 12 months and fine him $40,000 after a violent conduct incident in an AFC Cup. The AFC have re-issued their warning that they have a zero tolerance policy on abuse towards match officials.
Beckham’s Miami MLS bid boosted by long-awaited land deal for new stadium
June 9 – Four years after starting proceedings, a consortium headed by David Beckham has cleared a crucial hurdle in bringing a Major League Soccer franchise back to Miami.