Qatar authorities defend air conditioning plan
By Andrew Warshaw
November 9 – Qatari authorities have hit back quickly at suggestions by one of their leading 2022 World Cup architects that air conditioning the stadiums is not the way forward.
News
Switzerland launch new kit against Netherlands
By Declan Warrington
November 14 – Switzerland have launched a new home kit in their match against the Netherlands.
Man arrested after Baroness Ford claims Tottenham put her board members under surveillance
By Mike Rowbottom at City Hall in London
November 8 – Baroness Margaret Ford, chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), today publicly accused Tottenham Hotspur of putting all her board “under surveillance” during the recently discontinued negotiations to decide the future owner of the London Olympics Stadium.
Lisle Austin loses suspension appeal
By Andrew Warshaw
November 8 -Caribbean football has suffered another setback with the news that Lisle Austin of Barbados has lost his appeal against a one-year suspension.
Police presence stepped up around Maracana stadium ahead of 2014 World Cup
By David Gold
November 4 – A police force has been permanently posted to a favela near the Maracanã stadium (pictured) in Rio de Janeiro, which will host the final of the 2014 World Cup and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games.
New coach Keshi tasked with taking Nigeria to Brazil 2014
By David Gold
November 3 – Stephen Keshi (pictured) has been named as the new coach of Nigeria and told to take the country to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Exclusive: FIFA’s last 100 days were among the most difficult in its over 100-year history, says Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has promised to leave no stone unturned and, for the first time, name names as part of his anti-corruption drive at the heart of world football.
FIFA condemned over England poppy row
By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – FIFA have been quick to launch a clarification after war veterans condemned them for refusing to allow the England team to wear poppies on their shirts when they play world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on November 12 – on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.
Makudi protests innocence over FIFA land deal
By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – Under-fire FIFA Executive Worawi Makudi has once again denied any wrongdoing as the net closes in around him for allegedly using development funds for his own use.
FIFA demands clarification from Emirates as sponsorship deals hangs in the balance
By Andrew Warshaw
November 4 – World football’s governing body has asked for further clarification over reports that one of its key sponsors, Emirates Airlines, is considering whether or not extend the current agreement between the two parties.
Sion President Constantin slams Platini as “king’s jester”
By Andrew Warshaw
November 4 – FC Sion President Christian Constantin has vowed to keep fighting to get his club reinstated in the group stage of the Europa League describing UEFA boss Michel Platini as a “king’s jester”.
MATCH names World Cup hospitality sales agents for key global markets
By David Gold
November 3 – FIFA’s exclusive hospitality programme rights holder MATCH Hospitality has appointed Jet Set Sports as the exclusive sales agent for Norway, Sweden, Russia and Australia for hospitality packages at the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, both being held in Brazil.
FIFA demand answers from Makudi over land purchase
By Andrew Warshaw
November 3 – Thailand’s Worawi Makudi is edging closer to becoming the latest FIFA powerbroker to face possible scandal despite denying he used development funds for his own purposes.
“People have been saying I’m past it for 10 years” admits Beckham
By David Gold
November 3 – LA Galaxy star David Beckham has again used a high-profile opportunity to continue to push his dream of competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
FIFA urged to conduct World Cup bid investigation by British Select Committee
By David Gold
November 2 – The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has reiterated its call for FIFA to conduct a full independent investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively in December 2010.