Mutko remains Russia’s man on FIFA ExCo
February 28 – The Russian Football Union has re-elected the country’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko as its representative on FIFA’s executive committee Wednesday.
FIFA
FIFA steps up its fight against match fixers with global bans
By Andrew Warshaw
February 28 – FIFA have banned 74 more officials and players worldwide for match fixing – this time from Italy and South Korea.
Zwanziger sees ‘age’ as the key issue in FIFA’s reform process
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
February 27 – Theo Zwanziger, the influential German administrator overseeing FIFA’s reform process, has hinted there is still considerable work to be done to bring about a consensus over the way forward.
FIFA put Kosovo on the agenda for March meet
By Andrew Warshaw
February 25 – Kosovo’s campaign to be given improved status in world football has been added to the agenda at next month’s FIFA executive committee meeting, according to leading officials of the breakaway Balkan state.
FIFA open up tender for goal-line tech solutions
By Andrew Warshaw
February 20 – FIFA have confirmed once again that goal-line technology will be used at the 2014 World Cup, but which system will be employed in Brazil is now the main issue.
FIFA debate harder line on racism ahead of Congress
February 18 – Fresh moves to combat the worrying resurgence of racism in football are being discussed by FIFA with a view to firm proposals for tougher sanctions being added to the agenda at May’s increasingly significant annual congress in Mauritius.
FIFA gets tough on transfer rules and takes action to end Velazquez saga
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has penalised CA Independiente of Argentina and Genoa CFC of Italy for misuse of the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS). The use of TMS is mandatory for all international transfers of professional male players.
FIFA change 500-day visit agenda in wake of Santa Maria disaster
By Mark Baber
January 28 – In the wake of the nightclub fire in southern Brazil, FIFA have announced that they will no longer be holding a celebration, due on Monday in Brasilia, to mark 500 days until the start of the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA moves to help cut agents costs and influence at clubs
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 9 – FIFA has made further progress in a move to help clubs deal directly with each other during transfers rather than employ agents.