Botafogo build digital content as part of brand plan to return to top tier
By Samindra Kunti
August 17 – Brazilian club Botafogo have partnered with IO2 Technology for development sponsorship to boost engagement on its digital platforms.
News
Indonesians restart football with new competitions but FIFA bans remain
By Mark Baber
August 17 – As Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day, the government has intervened to set up two new competitions for lower league clubs, whilst La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti (pictured), the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) which is currently suspended by FIFA, laments that football in his country has not yet gained its independence.
Chung enters presidential race saying he needs just 4 years to clean up FIFA
By Paul Nicholson
August 17 – South Korea’s Chung Mong-Joon officially launched his FIFA presidency bid this morning in Paris saying that he would be a “crisis manager and a reformer” if he were elected. He said that under his leadership FIFA would not become a Eurocentric organisation and that he would take just one term to reinvent the governing body.
UEFA complain of FIFA smear campaign as new desert storm rolls into Europe
By Paul Nicholson
August 17 – The war between Nyon and Zurich escalated at the weekend with UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino writing to FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke complaining of a smear campaign against UEFA president Michel Platini and asking FIFA to investigate a letter that was circulated to Swiss and German newspapers.
Emirates unveils new deal with Arabian Gulf League, but Iranian tensions simmer
By Mark Baber
August 14 – Emirates announced Thursday that it has signed a three-year deal with the UAE’s domestic league – officially known as the ‘Arabian Gulf League’ – as its Official Partner and Airline, in a move which risks exacerbating tensions with Iran.
Zico repairs bridges on his journey to sign up five backers for FIFA bid
By Ricardo Setyon
August 14 – Having spent Father’s Day with his family, Zico is now in Goa, India, relaxing in a top 5-star hotel but plotting a dual course – his Goa FC club’s assault on the Indian Super League, and his personal campaign for the FIFA presidency.
ASEAN federation gets support to target World Cup 2034 hosting
By Mark Baber
August 14 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Football Federation (AFF) has set its sights on the ASEAN region jointly hosting the 2034 World Cup. Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pictured) has told local media that the 10 ASEAN nations who attended the ASEAN ministerial meeting on Sports in Kuala Lumpur have agreed to conduct a feasibility study.
Belgian Michel Sablon structures a Singaporean revolution
By Samindra Kunti
August 14 – Back in April, at the tiny Jalan Besar stadium in hot and humid conditions, Harimau Muda ground out their first S.League win of the season against Young Lions, 1-0. From the stands Michel Sablon was watching on with much interest. The Belgian is a seasoned observer of the beautiful game. He had watched games from the USA to Indonesia, but this was his first acquaintance with Singaporean football.
Spurs suit up with new threads from Aquascutum partnership
August 14 – English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have sharpened up for the new season with a new look and three-year partnership with English tailors Aquascutum, who will become the club’s new Official Formal Wear Partner.
The world according to Platini: Monaco date set for grand reveal
August 14 – Michel Platini has chosen Friday, August 28, to fully explain his decision to go for the FIFA presidency on February 26 just months after deciding he didn’t want the job.
FIFA medical chief gives Mourinho a dose of ‘pitch’ ethics
August 14 – It isn’t every day that FIFA enters what appears to be a purely domestic footballing spat unless its rules are in danger of being breached.
The race for FIFA House: David Nakhid says he is ready to run
By Andrew Warshaw
August 13 – Another unfamiliar figure has emerged to stake a claim to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president. Former Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder David Nakhid , who played 35 times for his country, is the latest name to say he will stand in February’s election.
Police tell Fenerbahce to bite the bullet, it was not a terrorist attact
By Alexander Krassimirov
August 13 – A Turkish police report described the attack against Fenerbahce and Turkey midfielder Mehmet Topal as an “accident” and not an attempted murder.
Mourinho told to man-up and take some of his own medicine
August 13 – Leading football medics have joined forces to denounce Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for his treatment of the club’s female head doctor.
Palestinian Cup Final back on after Gaza players successfully cross into West Bank
By Mark Baber
August 13 – The second leg of the historic cup final between Al-Ahly, the top team in the West Bank and Gaza’s champion Shejaia is back on after the Gazan team on Wednesday successfully crossed the Eretz border crossing into the West Bank.