Indonesia World Cup bid still hopeful of Government backing
By Duncan Mackay
January 4 – Indonesia remains confident of the country’s Government backing its bid to host the 2022 World Cup, officials there claimed today.
World Cup
Worawi abandons chase for England friendly – for now
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By Duncan Mackay
January 3 – Worawi Makudi (pictured), the President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), has abandoned plans to try to persuade England to play a friendly in Bangkok during their build-up to this year’s World Cup.
Qatar 2022 support Inter Milan match
January 3 – A senior delegation from Qatar’s 2022 World Cup Bid Committee flew to Saudi Arabia for the testimonial match of Nawaf al-Temyat between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Club and Italian champions Inter Milan, who are managed by Jose Mourinho, at the King Fahd international stadium.
Beckham in warning over England 2018 World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 3 – David Beckham (pictured) has warned that England must not be arrogant and believe that they are more deserving of hosting the 2018 World Cup than any of its rivals because of its tradition and the worldwide appeal of the Premier League.
Work on new Liverpool stadium to start in April, Council Leader claims
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By Duncan Mackay
January 2 – Construction on a new multi-million pound 60,000-capacity stadium to replace Anfield is expected to begin in April, the Leader of Liverpool City Council has claimed.
Bristol City drop housing scheme to save 2018 World Cup dream
By Duncan Mackay
January 2 – Bristol City have dropped plans to build a housing estate in the shadow of their new £92 million 44,000-capacity stadium at Ashton Vale in the hope that the scheme will get the go-ahead so that they can host matches if England’s bid to stage the 2018 World Cup is successful.
Manchester MP hits out at cost of hosting World Cup matches
January 2 – A Manchester MP has claimed that taxpayers should not have to pay anything towards the city hosting World Cup matches if England’s bid to stage the tournament in 2018 is successful.
AFC Wimbledon fans launch protest against Milton Keynes World Cup inclusion
By Duncan Mackay
January 2 – AFC Wimbledon fans have started an on-line petition on the Downing Street website to protest about Milton Keynes’ inclusion as a venue for the 2018 World Cup if England’s bid is successful.
South Africans need to embrace World Cup says Jordaan
December 30 – The South African public must show more enthusiasm for the 2010 World Cup in their country, chief executive Danny Jordaan said today.
Indonesia World Cup bid may be scrapped
By Duncan Mackay
December 29 – Indonesia may be forced to withdraw its bid to host the 2022 World Cup unless it can persuade the Government to back it, the chairman of the country’s Football Association has admitted.
Compromise can be reached in MLS row claims negotiator
December 29 – A solution to the employment row threatening to overshadow next season’s Major League Soccer (MLS) season can be reached, Jimmy Conrad (pictured), a leading player involved in negotiations has claimed.
First match in new Green Point Stadium next month
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December 28 – Ajax Cape Town will play Santos next month in a friendly to mark the official opening of Cape Town’s new Green Point Stadium, where England are due to play Algeria in next year’s World Cup.
World Cup be ushered in at Joburg Carnival
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December 28 – The annual Joburg Carnival, which will see in the New Year, will be a celebration of the World Cup heading for South Africa in 2010.
Australia World Cup will be better than the Sydney Olympics claims Kewell
By Duncan Mackay
December 28 – Former Liverpool and Leeds United striker Harry Kewell (pictured) has claimed that a World Cup in Australia would be even more successful than when the country hosted the Sydney Olympics.
Australian Republicans planning protest over Prince William support for England World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
December 26 – Australian Republicans plan to use Prince William’s visit to the country next month to protest about his support for England’s campaign to host the 2018 World Cup ahead of their own bid.