Bahamas scores Caribbean first, winning 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup bid
December 22 – The Bahamas will become the first Caribbean nation to host a senior FIFA tournament when it welcomes the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
News
FIFA closes Garcia era with promise to publish redacted report, but no revote
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent, in Marrakesh
December 19 – It led to the resignation of its author and involved months and months of chaos and confusion. But FIFA finally agreed today to publish what Sepp Blatter described as the “famous” Michael Garcia report into possible corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process.
Garcia report to be published, no grounds to strip Russia or Qatar
By Andrew Warshaw in Marrakesh
December 19 – FIFA will publish the investigative report by its former chief investigator Michael Garcia into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups that were awarded to Russia and Qatar. But president Sepp Blatter said there will be no revote.
Sparta Prague to modernise stadium, boost retail space revenue
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
December 19 – Daniel Kretinsky, the owner of Sparta Prague, has unveiled plans to modernise the Czech club’s stadium to boost its retail space and revenue. Under the proposal, the project would begin in the spring of 2016.
2014 AFF final pitches Tigers against Elephants in Kuala Lumpur
December 19 – The 10th edition of the ASEAN Football Championship, known as the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup, comes to its climax on Saturday as Malaysia meet Thailand in Kuala Lumpur in the second leg of the final, looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.
Aguirre to lead Japan at Asian Cup, despite Spanish match-fixing probe
December 19 – Japan will stick with coach Javier Aguirre for next month’s Asian Cup in Australia, despite the Mexican being involved in Spain’s burgeoning match-fixing scandal.
Breaking news: FIFA to publish Garcia report after current investigations end
By Andrew Warshaw in Marrakesh
December 19 – FIFA will officially announce later today that it will publish the investigative report by its former chief investigator Michael Garcia into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups that were awarded to Russia and Qatar.
Dietmar Hopp given go-ahead to take majority stake in 1899 Hoffenheim
By Mark Baber
December 19 – The Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) has given the go-ahead for SAP-founder Dietmar Hopp to take a majority stake in TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – the village club he brought from lower league obscurity to Bundesliga glory – with effect from 1 July 2015.
Rangers put Llambias in charge as cost cuts and crisis loans come under scrutiny
December 19 – The on-going turmoil at Scottish giant Rangers has taken another ownership twist with board member Derek Llambias appointed at the club’s new chief executive.
Levski Sofia budget 75% of income for wages but will fail FFP rules
By Alexander Krassimirov
December 19 – The owner of the Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia Todor Batkov (pictured) has announced that the club’s budget for next year will amount to BGN 8 million (€4 million), BGN 6 million of which will be spent on club salaries – players and officials.
FIFPro warns players away from no-money Serbian clubs
December 19 – Players union FIFPro has taken the unusual step of advising its members not to agree contracts in Serbia as there is a high risk that they would not get paid their salaries. Their warning came out joints with the Serbian professional footballers association Nezavisnost (SPFN).
Russia 2018: Build budgets feel the squeeze but not the cuts
By Paul Nicholson
December 19 – Russian stadium build for the 2018 World Cup is progressing but not without public assurances from president Vladimir Putin and his officials that money is being well spent and carefully monitored.
Igbokwe gives FIFA three days to annul Pinnick election before court action
By Mark Baber
December 18 – Barrister Leo Iyke Igbokwe, one of the aggrieved losing candidates in the disputed September 30 elections which saw Amaju Pinnick win the Presidency of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), told journalists Tuesday that if FIFA did not annul the elections within three days, he would take the matter to court.
Russian currency crisis drives up club costs of foreign player wages
December 18 – Salaries of foreign players at Russian clubs have escalated dramatically as the Russian ruble has plummeted in exchange rate value. Players, with salaries generally negotiated in euros, are now putting almost 40% more on club wage bills.
News analysis: What next at the Marrakesh bizarre?
By Andrew Warshaw in Marrakesh
December 18 – The fallout from Michael Garcia’s resignation as FIFA’s chief investigator continued apace today as world football’s governing body met to consider their next move amid collective shock and surprise among the organisation’s top brass.