Orange shows African commitment through Football Fan Club
By David Gold
November 2 – Orange has reaffirmed its commitment to African football with plans to take the mobile platform Football Fan Club to a number of new countries.
News
FIFA make donation to help rebuild Christchurch after earthquake
By David Gold
November 2 – FIFA has donated $300,000 (£188,000/€218,000) to efforts to boost football infrastructure in Christchurch, where a devastating earthquake struck the Canterbury region earlier this year.
New York Cosmos set to be sold to Arab firm
By Andrew Warshaw
November 2 – New York Cosmos, once the most glamourous name in United States soccer which even lured Pele out of retirement, wants to become a major force once again – possibly with Arab money.
Ramsey highlights desire to play for Team GB by posing in BOA shirt
By David Gold
November 2 – Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has followed Gareth Bale’s example and reiterated his desire to play in the Great British football team at next year’s Olympic Games by posing in a limited edition British Olympic Association (BOA) football supporters shirt.
Mauritius pull out of World Cup qualifiers over funding issues
By David Gold
November 1 – Mauritius have pulled out of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil due to a lack of funds, meaning that Liberia progress to the next stage of the African qualifiers in their place.
AFC hand out suspensions following Champions League semi-final brawl
By Andrew Warshaw
November 1 – One of the darkest days in the history of Asian club football resulted in mass suspensions being announced today by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Russia and Singapore create joint airport venture ahead of 2018 World Cup
By David Gold
October 31 – Russia and Singapore will be creating a joint business venture to develop airports being used for the World Cup in 2018.
Sion call on the man behind the Bosman ruling in relentless battle for victory
By Andrew Warshaw
October 31 – The lawyer who helped change the face of world football has been drafted in by Swiss club FC Sion to try to win their case against UEFA and FIFA.
FIFA vice-president Al Hussein moves to allow hijabs in the game
By David Gold
October 31 – FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Al Hussein wants rules brought in to allow Islamic headscarves to be worn during football matches.
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation President quits in cash-for-votes scandal
By Andrew Warshaw
October 30 – The cash-for-votes scandal involving almost the entire membership of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) has taken another twist with the news that Oliver Camps has quit as President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) after 19 years in charge.
Confusion over Turkish away fans ban
By David Gold
October 29 – There is confusion in Turkey after a ‘ban’ on away fans attending matches between Istanbul giants Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, as well as those of Trabzonspor, was announced this week.
Côte d’Ivoire remain strong 2012 Nations Cup favourites after comfortable group draw
By David Gold
October 29 – One of the favourites for the 2012 African Nations Cup, Côte d’Ivoire, will be confident of making progress from the group stage of the tournament after being drawn in Group B with Sudan, Burkina Faso and 2010 hosts Angola.
PUMA agrees kit deal with Bundesliga champions Dortmund
By David Gold
October 29 – PUMA has signed a deal to become the official kit provider to Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund from 2012, it has been announced.
Maracanã roof removed as $643 million modernisation continues
By David Gold
October 28 – The iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, which will host the final of the 2014 World Cup, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games, has had the final piece of its famous roof removed.
Henry and Beckham go head to head in MLS clash
By David Gold
October 28 – The Major League Soccer (MLS) play offs have thrown up the marketing man’s dream – a game between David Beckham’s LA Galaxy and Thierry Henry’s New York Red Bulls.