Brazilian riot raises safety concerns for 2014 World Cup
By David Gold
July 25 – A riot in a São Paulo derby between Guarani and Ponte Preta has raised fresh doubts on Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
World Cup
Brazil will be ready for World Cup, claims Sports Minister
By Andrew Warshaw
July 21 – Brazil’s Sports Minister Orlando Silva has attempted to dismiss fears surrounding the country’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup by insisting that all 12 stadia will be completed by the end of 2013.
Sao Paulo World Cup hopes boosted by new stadium approval
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15 – One of the most embarrassing episodes hindering progress for the 2014 World Cup has moved a step closer to being resolved after Sao Paulo’s chances of hosting the opening game were given a major boost following the approval of a funding package for a new 65,000-seater stadium for local club Corinthians.
Footballing legends set for Brazil 2014 World Cup draw
By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – Brazil’s 2014 World Cup preparations may be the subject of constant criticism but the five-time world champions are setting up a galaxy of stars for the preliminary draw on July 30.
There is not even a sliver of evidence behind the claims, argues Qatar World Cup chief
By Andrew Warshaw
July 12 – The head of Qatar’s victorious bid to stage the 2022 World Cup insists the campaign was totally clean and suggests anti-Arab sentiment in part fuelled the string of allegations against the oil-rich Gulf state.
FIFA confirm apology from Qatar whistleblower
By Andrew Warshaw
July 11 – FIFA became the latest organisation today to confirm receipt of an official apology from the whistleblower who has retracted serious bribery allegations made against Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
I lied, claims Qatar 2022 whistleblower
By Andrew Warshaw
July 10 – Qatar officials confirmed today that they had received an official apology from the so-called whistleblower who appears to have duped the world’s media and caused an international outcry over the credibility of the Gulf state’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
FA urged to engage with FIFA by select committee report
By David Gold
July 4 – The Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee has concluded that the Football Association’s “historic disengagement” from FIFA was a key cause in their failure to win the right to host the 2018 World Cup.
Exclusive: Report shows Maracana doubt for Confederations Cup
By David Gold in London
June 30 – Brazil is facing a race against time to ensure the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is ready for the 2013 Confederations Cup, whilst doubts over the construction of stadia in Natal and São Paulo persist, according to a report released today by UK Trade & Industry.
Former England 2018 bid leader joins online sports retailer in new role
By Duncan Mackay
June 28 – Andy Anson, the leader of England’s disastrous bid to host the 2018 World Cup, has been given a new role as chief executive of Kitbag, which claims to be Europe’s leading sports online retailer.
Exclusive: ID cards will improve young players in time for 2018 World Cup, claims top official
By David Gold
June 26 – Idenitification cards for young Russian footballers will help create a national side which can compete well at the 2018 World Cup, according to Alexander Zorkov, the deputy general secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU).
Russian Premier League official compares latest racist to John Lennon’s killer
By David Gold in Moscow
June 25 – Alexander Zorkov, the deputy general secretary of the Russian Football Union (RFU), described the incident this week when a banana was thrown at Anzhi Makhachkala’s legendary Brazilian full back Roberto Carlos as an “awful, terrible incident”.
Only Jesus can rescue Brazil’s World Cup preparations, says Romario
By David Gold
June 25 – Brazilian legend Romario has criticised Brazil’s World Cup preparations and said that costs are spiralling out of control.
Opening match of Brazil 2014 qualifying overshadowed by row with FIFA
By David Gold
June 15 – As Belize prepares to kick off the first qualifier for the 2014 World Cup when they take on Montserrat, they have been told by FIFA that they face sanctions if their Government interferes with the country’s football federation.
World Cup 2014 host cities first in line for 4G technology in Brazil
By David Gold
June 14 – Cities hosting World Cup games in Brazil in 2014 will be the first to enjoy the benefits of 4G wireless technology as super fast mobile internet access comes to the country.