Japan to replace Uzbekistan as FIFA 2012 under-20 World Cup hosts
By David Gold
December 20 – Japan is set to host the FIFA 2012 Women’s under-20 World Cup after Uzbekistan was stripped of the right to stage the event.
World Cup
Romário delighted by Ronaldo’s involvement with Brazil 2014
By David Gold
December 19 – Romário has praised fellow Brazilian great Ronaldo’s involvement in the Organising Committee for the 2014 World Cup, saying that his face means they have “everything to make the competition a success”.
Brazil to exchange free World Cup tickets in return for illegal guns
By Declan Warrington
December 15 – The Brazilian Government has launched an initiative to reduce the number of illegal guns in circulation within the country and plans to exchange them with free tickets to the 2014 World Cup.
Russia 2018 denies FBI computer hacking investigation
By Declan Warrington
December 13 – Russia 2018 has dismissed reports that its successful World Cup campaign is involved in an FBI investigation regarding computer hacking.
Brazil overturns alcohol ban with new World Cup law
By David Gold
December 7 – Brazil has drafted a new 2014 World Cup Law, which overturns a ban on alcohol being sold and consumed at sports venues.
FBI probing World Cup votes for 2018 and 2022, it is claimed
By Andrew Warshaw
December 7 – The corruption allegations that swirled around the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups just over a year ago have been reignited by a suggestion that the FBI is now involved.
Anzhi stars Eto’o and Carlos hail Russian World Cup
By David Gold
December 6 – Anzhi Makhachkala stars Samuel Eto’o (pictured) and Roberto Carlos have stated their confidence in Russia’s ability to stage the World Cup in 2018.
Qatar donates friendly proceeds to Somalia famine victims
By David Gold
December 5 – Qatar is donating $400,000 (£256,000/€300,000) generated in ticket proceeds from the recent friendly game between Brazil and Egypt in Doha, to the victims of famine in Somalia.
FIFA do not feel welcome in England, claims Valcke
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke (pictured) has fuelled further tension between the world governing body and English football by suggesting that they not always feel welcome in the country.
Blatter says England yet to come to terms with missing out on 2018 World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
December 4 – FIFA Pesident Sepp Blatter has re-opened his feud with English football by saying the country has still not come to terms with losing out on the 2018 World Cup.
Platini would move European competitions to accommodate winter World Cup in 2022
By David Gold
December 2 – UEFA President Michel Platini has said that he would move the Champions League and Europa League to accommodate a winter World Cup being held in Qatar in 2022.
Valcke praises Russia’s 2018 World Cup progress
By David Gold
December 2 – A year after Russia was awarded the right to host the 2018 World Cup, FIFA general secretary Jérôme Valcke has praised the progress made by the country in the first year of its preparations to stage the event.
Ronaldo to be public face of Brazil 2014
By Duncan Mackay at the Sheraton San Conrado in Rio de Janeiro
December 1 – Ronaldo was officially unveiled here today as the new face of the Organising Committee of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Ronaldo to be confirmed today as head of Brazil 2014 World Cup
By Duncan Mackay in Rio de Janeiro
December 1 – Ronaldo, the highest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup, will be cofirmed as the the new face of the 2014 World Cup here later today, insideworldfootball can reveal.
Brazil will be ready for 2014 World Cup promises new Sports Minister
By Duncan Mackay at Soccerex in Rio de Janeiro
November 28 – Brazil will put on a “great World Cup”, the country’s new Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo promised as the annual Soccerex convention opened here today.