FIFA warn Indonesian FA over election
By David Gold
May 9 – The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) faces censure unless FIFA deems that it has sufficiently reformed following its elections, scheduled for May 20.
News
Blatter surprised by England 2018 James Bond style approach to bidding
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 9 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter today attempted to distance himself from reports that England’s 2018 World Cup bid team hired a private security firm to monitor the behaviour of their rivals during the campaign.
FIFA and Interpol reveal match fixing in up to 300 matches worldwide
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 9 – Scores of players, officials and referees across both Eastern and Western Europe have been taking bribes to throw up to 300 matches – not just international friendlies but also Champions League and Europa League fixtures.
England spied on 2018 World Cup rivals it is claimed
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 9 – The English Football Association declined comment today on an explosive report alleging that the country’s 2018 World Cup bid team hired a private security firm to monitor the behaviour of their rivals.
Leoz denies knighthood claim but insists he was invited to the Royal Wedding by Prince William
By David Gold
May 10 – CONMEBOL, South America’s governing body, has denied reports that its President, Nicolas Leoz, asked for a knighthood in return for supporting England’s bid to host the World Cup in 2018.
Exclusive: Arab Spring leaves Mido feeling flat
By Mihir Bose
May 8 – Mido, the Egyptian player, has hired renowned London lawyers Mishcon de Reya to overturn a FIFA decision which effectively stops him playing for eight months.
“Give me a knighthood and I’ll vote for you” FIFA member tells England 2018
By Andrew Warshaw
May 8 – A voting member of FIFA’s Executive Committee asked for a knighthood in exchange for backing England’s bid to stage the 2018 World Cup, The Sunday Times newspaper reported today.
FIFA election is “not a popularity contest” claims Warner
By Andrew Warshaw
May 8 – CONCACAF boss Jack Warner (pictured) has stressed that the Confederation will not allow personalities to dictate which candidate to back in the forthcoming FIFA Presidential election.
QPR escape points deduction to ensure promotion to Premier League
By Andrew Warshaw
May 7 – One of the most drawn-out sagas of recent months was resolved today when Queens Park Rangers escaped a points deduction despite being found guilty of breaking strict third-party ownership rules.
Makudi confident of re-election
By David Gold
May 6 – Worawi Makudi, the chief of the Thai Football Association, is confident that he will be re-elected to the post next week despite the country’s expulsion from the 2012 Olympic football qualifiers.
Impressive World Cup gives New Zealand Football record budget surplus
By David Gold
May 6 – New Zealand’s appearance in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa led to the country’s football governing body posting a record budget surplus of $7.7 million (£3.7 million) last year.
Polish clubs forced to play in front of empty stadiums after cup final violence
By David Gold
May 6 – Legia Warsaw and Lech Poznan will play their respective Polish League games against Korona Kielce and Gornik Zabrze in front of empty stadiums after rioting following the cup final between the two sides last week.
Liverpool optimistic despite revealing £20 million loss
By David Gold
May 6 – Liverpool’s managing director Ian Ayre insists that the club is “very optimistic” about its future despite losses of £20 million ($33 million) in the club’s accounts up to July 31 2010, when previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were still in charge of the Premier League side.
French 1998 World Cup winners split on quota row as Blanc’s future hangs in the balance
By David Gold
May 6 – The ethnic quota row engulfing French football has accelerated this week, with national team coach Laurent Blanc’s position in doubt, despite the suspension of the French Football Federation’s (FFF) National Technical Director Francois Blaquart.
Birmingham granted permission to play in Europe next season
By David Gold
May 6 – The FA and Premier League have given Birmingham City the green light to play in Europe next season amid concern over their financial stability.