Mboma backs Japan 2022 World Cup bid
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By Andrew Warshaw
September 14 – Patrick Mboma is the latest footballer to be unveiled by Japan as a World Cup ambassador as the country strives to make up ground in the bid to stage the 2022 tournament.
World Cup
Football in Australia needs shake-up claims leading official
By Andrew Warshaw
September 13 – One of Australia’s leading football officials has issued a damning indictment of the sport’s development in the country, insisting it needs a radical shake-up to restore credibility.
US will withdraw 2018 World Cup bid says Platini
By Andrew Warshaw
September 13 – UEFA President Michel Platini insists he has still not made up his mind about who to back for the 2018 World Cup but is now “100 percent sure” the tournament will come to Europe.
Sydney Olympic hero throws support behind Australia 2022
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 12 - Australia should be awarded the 2022 World Cup because the 2000 Sydney Olympics was such an outstanding success that showed the country is capable of staging majors events better than anyone else, Cathy Freeman has claimed.
Scottish fans complain they cannot support England World Cup bid
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By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 12 – The ruling Scottish National Party have complained to Geoff Thompson, the chairman of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, because they claim that Scottish fans are unable to pledge their support to a campaign first launched by Gordon Brown, a Scot and keen Raith Rovers supporter .
West Brom banner in support of Odemwingie delayed
September 11 – Plans by West Bromwich Albion fans to display a banner answering the alleged racist send-off given to Peter Odemwingie from Lokomotiv Moscow fans at today’s match against Tottenham Hotspur were scuppered by technical problems.
MLS expansion is proof that US World Cup does have a legacy claims coach
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 11 – The expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS) illustrates the benefits of hosting a World Cup in the United States, the country’s coach Bob Bradley (pictured) has claimed.
Brazil 2014 look to 2016 for new media manager
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 10 – Saint-Clair Milesi (pictured), head of communications for Rio 2016, is quitting to take up a new role with the 2014 World Cup, which is also being staged in Brazil, he has announced.
Qatar Airways sign up as sponsor of World Cup bid
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September 10 – Qatar Airways has been announced as as the official airline of the country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Exclusive: England World Cup bid will not be distracted by Russian claims promises Sports Minister
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By Duncan Mackay in London
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 10 – England 2018 will not be drawn into a war of words with its main rival Russia following potentially explosive claims by that country’s World Cup bid leader Vitaly Mutko, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson has promised.
US ready to concede defeat in 2018 World Cup campaign
By Andrew Warshaw
September 10 – The head of the United States bid to stage the World Cup admitted today that a growing number of FIFA’s 24 voting members favoured the 2018 tournament going to Europe.
US bid leader cautious after FIFA complete inspection visit
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By Andrew Warshaw
September 9 - FIFA’s technical inspection team wound up its tour of the United States today with Bid President Sunil Gulati hinting strongly that there was more work to do to clinch the tournament in either 2018 or 2022.
Maracana closed for World Cup facelift
September 9 – Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium, which is due to stage the 2014 World Cup final, has been closed down for two years to be undergo a major $300 million (£175 million) renovation.
US hopes for 2018 ended by Blatter promise that it will come to Europe
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 8 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter appears to have dashed any lingering hopes that the United States has of hosting the 2018 World Cup by claiming that no-one is in doubt that the tournament will be held in Europe.
We have not taken our eye off the ball, claims Lowy
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 8 – Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy has hit back at claims that the country’s A-League is suffering because too much attention is being paid to their bid to host the 2022 World Cup.