Top football scandal buster to quit UEFA after Euro 2012
By Andrew Warshaw
June 7 – The UEFA lawyer charged with eradicating the growing scourge of match fixing in Europe is to quit after the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
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Qatar’s Aspire Zone Foundation takes over Belgian side KAS Eupen
By Andrew Warshaw
June 7 – The increasing involvement of Qatar in European club football has taken another significant step forward with the takeover by the country’s Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) – one of the world’s most sophisticated sports facilities – of Belgian Second Division club KAS Eupen.
Manuel Preciado dies just 24 hours after accepting Villarreal coach job
By David Gold
June 7 – Spanish coach Manuel Preciado (pictured) has died of a heart attack at the age of 54, just after agreeing a deal to take over at relegated Villarreal next season.
Referees given power to stop Euro 2012 matches in zero-tolerance racism policy
By Andrew Warshaw
June 7 – UEFA President Michel Platini says referees will have no hesitation in halting matches at the 2012 European Championship if any of the players report being racially abused from the stands.
A positive Michel Platini opens Euro 2012 broadcasting centre in Poland
By David Gold
June 7 – UEFA President Michel Platini has helped unveil the 2012 European Championship International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) in Warsaw, while insisting he was “sure we are going to have a fine Euros”.
Exclusive: ISL dossier could see light of day by October this year
By Andrew Warshaw
June 7 – The infamous ISL corruption files, which have cast a dark shadow over much of Sepp Blatter’s 14-year FIFA Presidency, could finally be made public by the end of October, insideworldfootball has learned.
“Free-kick” spray used at CONMEBOL Brazil 2014 qualifiers
By David Gold
June 6 – The much talked about aerosol spray used to draw lines on a football pitch when giving a free-kick is being used during the current round of South American qualifiers for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, the continental confederation (CONMEBOL) has confirmed.
ICSS director Helmut Spahn to lead Euro 2012 security operation
By Andrew Warshaw
June 6 – Helmut Spahn, the former high-ranking German policeman who ran the security operation for the 2006 World Cup in his homeland, has been given a similar role for the forthcoming European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Brazilian President gives controversial World Cup law final sign-off
By David Gold
June 6 – Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff has finally signed the controversial 2014 World Cup law, bringing to an end the wrangling over its content.
Footballers risking careers with painkiller abuse, warns FIFA medical chief
By Andrew Warshaw
June 6 – Too many footballers are putting their careers at risk by taking painkillers to push them through the pain barrier, according to FIFA’s chief medical officer.
“Mixed feelings” over expansion for Euro 2016 finals, admits DFB President
By Andrew Warshaw
June 6 – German Football Association (DFB) President Wolfgang Niersbach has expressed his concern over UEFA’s decision to increase the size of the European Championship finals from 16 to 24 teams.
VGTRK makes $110 million bid to broadcast live Russian Premier League matches on terrestrial TV
By David Gold
June 6 – Russia’s public broadcaster VGTRK has reportedly made a $110 million (£71 million/€88 million) bid to show Russian Premier League football for the next three years.
UEFA President Platini backs Germany and Spain for glory at Euro 2012
By Andrew Warshaw
June 6 – UEFA President Michel Platini is backing the usual suspects, Germany and Spain, to triumph at the 2012 European Championship amid concerns that tickets are still available for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine that starts on Friday (June 8).
Leading international football journalist charged with promoting Kenya overseas
By Andrew Warshaw
June 6 – The Kenya Football Federation (KFF) has turned to one of Africa’s best-known football journalists to help promote and market them overseas.
Messi named most productive player, according to CIES
By David Gold
June 6 – Triple World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has been named the most productive player in Europe’s top five leagues by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) Football Observatory.