England 2018 sign BT in £1 million deal
February 5 – England 2018 today announced BT as an official communications partner in a deal worth £1 million.
World Cup
Fursenko targets 2018 World Cup after being elected RFU President
By Duncan Mackay
February 3 – Former Zenit Saint Petersburg President Sergei Fursenko (pictured) was elected as the new president of the Russian Football Union (RFU) at a special conference today and immediately set his sights on ehlping the country win its bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
FIFA signs up first Chinese World Cup sponsor
February 3 – Yingli Green Energy, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar panels, was unveiled as the first Chinese company to sponsor the FIFA World Cup today.
South African rugby season to continue during World Cup
February 2 – South Africa will play France in a Test match on June 12 in Cape Town, Springbok officials confirmed on Tuesday, dispelling doubts that the country would have to abandon its rugby union season because it clashes with the World Cup.
FIFA try to reassure South African media over press freedom for World Cup
By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – FIFA today issued a press release which seeks to reassure South Africa’s media that the purpose of accreditation terms is “not, and has never been, to restrict press freedom”.
Johnson to head London 2018 World Cup campaign
By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured) is take over as the head of a high-powered group co-ordinating the capital’s support for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, it was announced today.
Race for 2018 World Cup is still too early to call, claims Russian bid leader
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By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – It is too early to evaluate the strength of the candidates who want to host the 2018 World Cup, the head of Russia’s bid Alexey Sorokin (pictured) has claimed.
Australia still in the race for 2018 World Cup claims Lowy
By Duncan Mackay
January 31 – Australia are still serious contenders to host the 2018 World Cup after FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) claimed he had never said that only European bidders will be considered for the tournament with the other contenders left to battle for 2022, officials there claimed today.
Milutinović and Milla named as ambassadors for Qatar 2022
By Andrew Warshaw
January 30 – Bora Milutinović, the only man to have coached five different teams at the World Cup, is the latest high-profile ambassador to join Qatar’s bid to stage the 2022 tournament.
Beckham to continue playing after World Cup, says Gullit
By Steven Downes
January 29 – David Beckham (pictured) will not retire after this summer’s World Cup finals, according to one of his most recent club managers.
Blatter comments on 2018 World Cup bid upset FIFA Executive Committee
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January 27 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) is coming under pressure to backtrack on his claim that only European nations may be considered as hosts for the 2018 World Cup.
Only European bidders set to be considered for 2018 World Cup claims Blatter
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By Duncan Mackay
January 26 – Only European nations should be considered to host the 2018 World Cup, FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) has claimed in a move which would leave Australia and the United States battling for the right to host the 2022 tournament.
FFA announce replacement for Mersiades
By Duncan Mackay
January 26 – Rod Allen (pictured), a former journalist, has been appointed as Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) new head of media relations, including handling the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, following the shock departure of Bonita Mersiades.
Bid countries descend on Angola to lobby at CAF Congress
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January 26 – Bidding countries, including England led by former Liverpool striker John Barnes (pictured), are beginning to arrive in Angola for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has controversially been sponsored by Qatar 2022.
Key figure quits Australian World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 24 – Bonita Mersiades (pictured), a key member of Australia’s campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, has quit unexpectedly on the eve of a planned trip to Angola to lobby on behalf of the bid.