Qatar 2022 bosses learn from Euro 2016 inspection visits
By Samindra Kunti
July 7 – Qatar has been visiting and inspecting venues and facilities at Euro 2016 as it seeks to build its expertise in time for the 2022 World Cup.
World Cup
Russia promises 2018 will be safe, and ticket prices cheap…for Russians
By Andrew Warshaw
July 7 – Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko (pictured) insists his country has learned from the bitter experience of hooliganism at Euro 2016 and that the 2018 World Cup will be safe for all supporters to attend.
Infantino reassures Russia and suggests 2018 will reboot economy
By Andrew Warshaw
June 2 – Making sure he avoided any slip-ups after a tempestuous and controversial last few weeks, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, on a trip to 2018 World Cup hosts Russia, said the country was on track to stage the tournament despite economic problems caused by sanctions and the shrinking oil price.
French prosecutor says they may open probe into 2022 vote and Platini’s role
May 31 – French authorities say they are considering launching their own investigation into Qatar being awarded the right to host the 2022 World Cup.
Sorokin says Russia 2018 is not under threat, Rostov get visit from dope testers
May 13 – The head of Russia’s 2018 World Cup organising committee Alexey Sorokin says he has been assured by new FIFA president Gianni Infantino the tournament will go ahead as planned despite allegations of corruption and the still be to be concluded Swiss probe into the bid process for both 2018 and 2022.
Qatar investigates death of steelworker at Al Bayt stadium
May 2 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers have come under renewed scrutiny after announcing than an Indian steelworker employed on a World Cup site has died.
Russia 2018 names venues for the Fan Fest sites across 11 cities
April 28 – The locations of the Official FIFA Fan Fest venues in the 11 cities hosting Russia 2018 World Cup matches have been announced by the Local Organising Committee. In total the sites will have a combined capacity of 267,000.
Infantino positive on Qatar 2022 preparations and urges progress on worker welfare
By Andrew Warshaw
April 22 – Gianni Infantino wasted no time, on his first trip to Qatar since becoming FIFA president, in stressing the need for the 2022 World Cup hosts to maintain efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
Infantino worries about his bet as Moscow prepares to communicate
April 22 – New FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked that his only remaining question over the Russia 2018 World Cup on his recent visit was on his “bet with Minister Mutko if I will speak better Russian or he better English in 2018.” Mutko may not have mastered the English-language but the Russians are increasingly showing they have a grip of World Cup communication.
Infantino targets Russia 2018 for debut of World Cup video refs
By Andrew Warshaw
April 20 – New FIFA president Gianni Infantino says video replays could be introduced in time for the 2018 World Cup.
Brazil 2014 legacy: Arena Corinthians build dragged into money-laundering investigations
By Samindra Kunti
March 24 – Brazil’s Lavo Jato scandal is further escalating. This time bribes may have been offered in relation to the construction of Arena Corinthians, a 2014 FIFA World Cup venue.
Labour group says Qatar reforms have progressed but ‘challenges’ still need work
March 24 – The International Labour Organisation (ILO), one of the oldest established United Nations agencies with 186 member states, says Qatar is making progress toward ending forced labour and improving conditions for migrant workers but that the real test will be whether it actually enforces new legislation by an ILO-imposed December deadline.
Qatar 2022: Bedouin tents to offer fans that authentic World Cup experience
March 22 – Organisers of the 2022 Qatar World Cup are considering the option of housing fans under the stars in Bedouin-style super-tents.
South African trio banned for fixing 2010 World Cup warm-ups
By Andrew Warshaw
March 15 – Two weeks after the South African authorities accused FIFA of not acting decisively enough following a lengthy match-fixing investigation, three officials have been banned over their role in rigging a string of international friendlies in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup which the country hosted.
Glasgow steps up to host the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Europe’s other showcase
February 22 – While Europe’s football elite will be strutting their way round France in five-star accommodation and with plenty of cash to flash, another group of footballers will be taking far more significant and humble personal journey to Glasgow. The Scottish city will host the 2016 Homeless World Cup from July 10-16, the 14th edition of the event and the second time it has been hosted in Scotland.