Referees could face anti-doping tests, FIFA medical experts reveal
By Andrew Warshaw in Budapest
May 24 – Referees could in future face the same kind of dope tests as professional footballers, FIFA medical experts disclosed today.
News
If they get the Olympics they won’t get the Euros, insists UEFA boss as Istanbul is shortlisted to host 2020 Games
By Andrew Warshaw in Budapest
May 24 – UEFA President Michel Platini has once again reiterated that Turkey will not be allowed to host the European Championship finals in 2020 if Istanbul is awarded the Olympics and Paralympics the same summer.
Warner and Blazer in new corruption allegations
By Andrew Warshaw in Budapest
May 23 – Just when it hoped to enter a new era of honesty and integrity, world football’s CONCACAF region was plunged into unprecedented bloodletting today as yet more stunning allegations of corruption burst into the public domain.
Jeffrey Webb elected CONCACAF President promising accountability and transparency
By Andrew Warshaw in Budapest
May 23 – Jeffrey Webb was formally elected the new President of FIFA’s scandal-hit Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) region today, saying he was “truly humbled and honoured” to lead the organisation and promising a new era of accountability and transparency.
Exclusive: Kosovo to “reflect” on first opponents, says Federation President
By David Owen
May 23 – Kosovo’s first officially-sanctioned football international could take place as soon as this autumn, accompanied by what the head of the territory’s football federation believes will be “a big party” in the Balkan province.
Exclusive: There’s “plenty of interest” for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, says Hardman
By David Gold at the SportAccord Convention in Québec City
May 23 – Don Hardman, the vice-president of venues for the Canada 2015 Women’s World Cup, told insideworldfootball here today that there was plenty of interest in the country for the tournament.
Kosovo cleared by FIFA to play friendly matches, despite UEFA opposition
By Andrew Warshaw
May 23 – Kosovo’s bid for international recognition on the world stage has been handed a massive boost after FIFA gave its 208 member countries permission to start playing friendlies against the Balkan province.
FIFA has contingency plan in place despite naming 2013 Confederations Cup host cities
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – FIFA have indirectly conceded that not all the required stadiums may be ready in time to stage next year’s Confederations Cup, the dry run tournament for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Burundi’s Lydia Nsekera named as FIFA’s first female Executive Committee member
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – FIFA has appointed its first female Executive Committee member in a bid to restore credibility after the most scandal-tarnished period in its history.
Euro 2012 organisers urge Ukrainian police force to adopt a softly softly approach
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – Ukraine’s police force has been urged to go easy on foreign tourists at the 2012 European Championship and improve their image of heavy-handedness.
Emotional Didier Drogba to leave Chelsea for China’s Shenhua
By David Gold
May 22 – Just days after winning Chelsea the Champions League title, Didier Drogba appears set to become the latest big name to move to China.
Jeffrey Webb set to be named CONCACAF President
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – Barring a last-minute hitch, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) will name Jeffrey Webb as its new President tomorrow, heralding in a new era of transparency for the troubled region.
Icon Bubka slams thoughts of “senseless” political boycott of Euro 2012
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – Ukraine’s most iconic sportsman, Sergey Bubka, says talk of a boycott of the 2012 UEFA European Championship by European Governments is “senseless” and will serve no purpose.
Angry Auxerre fans rain on first-time champions Montpellier’s parade
By David Gold
May 22 – Montpellier’s first ever French Ligue 1 title was marred as Auxerre fans caused chaos and two delays during the crucial game between the two sides at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.
Samsung extends tie-up with African football until 2015
By David Gold
May 21 – Samsung Electronics has renewed its sponsorship agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a further three years.