FBI focuses its investigation into the Caribbean
March 28 – The FBI investigation into corruption in football has taken a Caribbean turn according to a report from news agency Reuters.
News
Roof falls in on Rio build plans as Joao Havelange Stadium is forced to close
By Mark Baber
March 28 – Joao Havelange stadium, which has been the main football venue in Rio de Janeiro as the Maracana is undergoing renovation, has had to close down due to serious structural problems with the roof and is unlikely to reopen any time soon.
Wrage speaks out against the ‘watered down’ reform package
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – FIFA’s reform process, designed to bring about proper transparency and accountability, continues to receive negative publicity, with one of its leading advisers now accusing the organisation of “neutering” the originally suggested measures for much-needed change.
Nigerian Senate demands a radical restructuring of country’s football
By Mark Baber
March 28 – In the football equivalent of the ‘church and state’ governance debates, the Nigerian Senate has demanded an overhaul of football in the country – despite the Super Eagles winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year – but is wary of becoming too involved in running the game.
Faulkner finds feet at Leidar consultancy
March 28 – Rob Faulkner, former head of media relations and corporate PR at UEFA, has landed a job round the corner from his previous employers.
Japanese complain over laser treatment in Jordan
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – Japanese football chiefs have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over alleged dirty tricks during their shock World Cup qualifying loss to Jordan earlier this week.
Newcastle in black, but Coventry and Dunfermline see red and rock bottom
By Paul Nicholson
March 28 – Newcastle United have recorded only their second year of profit since billionaire Mike Ashley bought the club in 2007 for £135m. The £1.4m profit is a drop on the previous year’s £32.6m profit, but substantially better than the finances at Coventry (English Championship) and Dunfermline (Scottish Division 1) who both fell into the hands of administrators yesterday.
Bosman lawyer warns UEFA Fair Play rules may break EU competition law
By Andrew Warshaw
March 28 – The lawyer who helped changed the face of European football has warned that UEFA’s Financial Fair Play system may not stand up in court if challenged. Jean-Louis Dupont (pictured), part of the legal team who brought about the Bosman ruling back in the 1990s, says FFP risks violating competition law and freedom of movement.
Supporters reject sectarianism as Iraq host Syria in Baghdad
March 27 – Iraq defeated Syria 2-1 on Tuesday at the Shaab stadium in Baghdad in only the second time the stadium had been able to host an international fixture since the invasion in 2003.
Match-fixing discovered in more than 45 UEFA countries, says security firm
Exclusive: by Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
March 27 – A vast majority of countries in Europe suffer from match-fixing with up to 300 games per season rigged, according to the company widely regarded as the world’s leading experts in betting fraud detection.
Petition against 2015 World Cup on artificial grass gathers pace
By Andrew Warshaw
March 27 – FIFA’s decision to play the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada on artificial turf has prompted an unexpected backlash.
FIFA prepares referees for Brazil 2014 World Cup
March 27 – As the Ralf Willi cartoon pictured here says, the referees take this seriously (personally) as well. FIFA is running a series of seminars for prospective referees and assistant referees in April in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Snakes in football, Indian venom-busters told to clean up game
By Mark Baber
March 27 – Mohun Bagan beat Pailan Arrows at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday 3-2, in front of 5,000 spectators, blissfully ignorant of over a dozen poisonous serpents lingering nearby.
Costa Rica appeal for replay of US 2014 qualifier turned down
March 27 – Costa Rica’s protest to FIFA over being forced to play their World Cup qualifier against the United States in a snowstorm has been thrown out on a technicality, a ruling that seems certain to incense the central American country.
UEFA ExCo meetings kick off with 2020 Euros topping agenda
By Andrew Warshaw
March 27 – The bidding process for the groundbreaking pan-Continental Euro 2020 finals dominates the agenda of a two-day UEFA executive committee (ExCo) meeting today and tomorrow.