FIFA legal delegation impressed on first official trip to Russia
By David Gold
May 23 – FIFA’s legal delegation has concluded its first official visit to Russia ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
World Cup
Qatar 2022 hit back at Sunday Times claim they bribed FIFA Executive Committee members
By Andrew Warshaw
May 23 – Qatar’s football authorities today hit back with a vengeance at what they termed “a series of serious, unsubstantiated and false allegations” that bribes were paid to two senior FIFA officials to support the Gulf state’s 2022 World Cup bid.
Blatter blames rival for bringing in man alleged to have delivered Qatar bribes
By Andrew Warshaw
May 21 – With 10 days to go until the FIFA Presidential election, Sepp Blatter took another opportunity today to address African football leaders before moving on to Japan for the final leg of his lobbying campaign.
Chairman not guilty of conflict of interest say Premier League
By Andrew Warshaw
May 20 – The Football Assoiciation and Premier League have given written submissions that there was no conflict of interest over the award of merchandise contracts to a company part-owned by the son of Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards.
Qatar whistleblower invited to FIFA to show them the evidence
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 19 – The whistleblower at the centre of corruption claims over Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid has been asked by FIFA to provide evidence against two voting members alleged to have each been paid $1.5 million (£917,000) to back the Gulf state.
Plan drawn up for Russia 2018 high speed rail network
By David Gold
May 16 – The Institute of Economics and Transport Development in Russia has prepared a draft plan for the development of a rail network to transport fans and players across the country during the 2018 World Cup.
Fresh claims that Leoz asked for knighthood to vote for England 2018
By Duncan Mackay
May 16 – Another British MP has come forward to claim that Paraguay’s Nicolas Leoz (pictured) asked for a knighthood in return for voting for England to host the 2018 World Cup.
Bernstein admits Triesman allegations could be difficult to prove
By Andrew Warshaw
May 16 – English FA chairman David Bernstein has admitted that the latest corruption claims against FIFA Executive Committee members may be impossible to prove.
Exclusive: Collins urges World Cup 2022 re-vote if Qatar allegations are proven
By Andrew Warshaw
May 15 – One of the British MPs who exposed football’s latest corruption scandal has urged FIFA to stage a re-vote if it is proved that 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar bribed two senior officials.
“I will sue Triesman” over bribe allegations claims FIFA Executive Committee member
By Duncan Mackay
May 14 – Worawi Makudi, one of the FIFA Executive Committee members who allegedly asked for favours to vote for England to host the World Cup in 2018, claimed today he is planning to sue Lord Triesman, the former leader of the bid.
Bin Hammam admits alleged Qatar fixer is a “close friend”
By Andrew Warshaw
May 13 – FIFA have admitted that the go-between accused of brokering bribes on behalf of Qatar’s successful 2022 World Cup bid worked for the organisation and was responsible to Mohamed Bin Hammam, Sepp Blatter’s challenger for the Presidency.
Parliamentary Committee apologise to Mike Lee after Qatar grilling
By Tom Degun
May 12 – Mike Lee, the former communications director of London 2012, has received an official apology from the Culture, Media and Sport’s Select Committee after he was forced to answer a series of non-stop questions on The Sunday Times allegations that the Qatar 2022 bid team paid for votes.
Robertson calls for FIFA overhaul
By Andrew Warshaw
May 11 – Sport and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson today called for a complete overhaul of the way World Cup hosts are chosen following the latest spate of corruption allegations to rock FIFA.
“I laugh like hell at England” claims Warner
By Andrew Warshaw
May 11 – FIFA vice-president Jack Warner today poured further scorn on sensational allegations that he asked for money to build an education centre in Trinidad in exchange for supporting England’s 2018 World Cup bid.
Qatar 2022 denies “baseless” bribery allegations
By Andrew Warshaw
May 10 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers wasted no time tonight categorically denying explosive reports that it paid bribes to two members of the FIFA Executive Committee to support its bid.