Marta opens ‘Women on the Pitch’ expo in Rio
June 5 – While preparations for the high-profile main event move into their final few days, football with a more grassroots appeal is playing a key role on the sidelines of the World Cup.
World Cup
Hyundai launches 2014 ads with no flash mobs or suicide videos
By Mark Baber
June 3 – Official World Cup sponsor Hyundai, who recently extended their deal with FIFA up to 2022 is rolling out advertising campaigns focused largely on brand-loyalty and the passion of fans for football and their cars. So far it has avoided of the major faux-pas of recent campaigns.
Qataris refute allegations, Salman offers support, Garcia arrives to ask questions
By Andrew Warshaw and Paul Nicholson
June 1 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers have been quick to respond to the explosive allegations of corruption published by English newspaper the Sunday Times, saying that the bid committee broke no rules and that Mohamed bin Hammam was not part of the bid team. FIFA’s chief investigator Michael Garcia is meeting Qatar 2022 bid officials today as part of his on-going investigation of the conduct of all the bidding member associations.
Bin Hammam ‘paper’ trail points to more woe for Qatar and its World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
June 1 – FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce says the most explosive allegations to date linked to Qatar being awarded the 2022 World Cup must be added to the investigation into the entire bidding process being conducted by FIFA’s corruption buster, Michael Garcia.
Belo Horizonte unveils its World Cup Fan Fest site
May 30 – Brazil’s third largest city, Belo Horizonte – the venue where England were famously beaten by the United States in 1950 – have unveiled plans for its free 21,000-capacity fan fest throughout the World Cup.
Havelange tells Brazil protestors to look forward and forget the ‘lost’ money
By Andrew Warshaw
May 30 – The grand-daughter of former FIFA president Joao Havelange has stepped into the war of words over Brazil’s World Cup preparations with the most extraordinary intervention to date, telling protestors angry at the tournament’s massive budget to get over it because some money had already been “spent” or “stolen” or “robbed.”
Dilma counters Ronaldo, as Rebelo says Brazil will be proud
May 28 – Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has fired back at criticism voiced by Ronaldo, one of the country’s footballing icons, over preparations for the World Cup in the latest spat to undermine the tournament.
Marta to kick off streetfootballworld’s Football for Equality Plaza in Rio
By Ben Nicholson
May 26 – Brazilian female footballer, and five times FIFA World Player of the Year, Marta Vieira da Silva, will open the Football for Equality Plaza in Rio de Janeiro on June 4. The plaza will boast a multimedia exhibition that tells the history of female football in Brazil.
Buzz builds as social media World Cup starts to take hold
By Tom Parsons
May 23 – Social media platforms are already buzzing about what could be one of the greatest World Cup’s of all time. Players and fans alike are sharing news, views and opinions on Brazil 2014 with just 21 days until it begins.
Mexican team put beef on backburner as they prepare for Brazil
May 23 – Mexico’s World Cup squad have decided to avoid eating beef during their preparations for fear of testing positive for the banned drug clenbuterol.
All bets off as FA clamps down on English pros
May 22- All professional footballers in England will be banned from betting on football matches from next season following a string of damaging incidents that have rocked the domestic game.
FIFA move Sao Paulo stadium test date to ensure a big crowd
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – A vital final test event at the troubled stadium that is hosting the opening game of the World Cup has been postponed for three days, raising fresh concerns that the Sao Paulo venue will be far from ready for the June 12 kickoff.
Brazilian players go legal with FIFA, complaining it is too hot for early kick offs
By Andrew Warshaw
May 22 – FIFA is holding firm on kickoff times for the World Cup despite being threatened with legal action by Brazil’s athletes’ union (Fenapaf) which is calling for two-minute water breaks at the midway point of each half.
FIFA call for extra test event in Sao Paulo as Pele turns up the heat on corruption
By Andrew Warshaw
May 21 – Brazilian legend Pele says the delays that have plagued the World Cup in his country have been “a disgrace” as FIFA called for a further test event at the stadium that is hosting the opening game. Sao Paulo’s Itaquerao, Cuiaba’s Arena Pantanal and Curitiba’s Arena da Baixada are all unfinished despite the tournament starting in less than a month, and Pele is dismayed.
Brazil races towards stadium handover day, as FIFA chiefs set up camp
By Andrew Warshaw
May 20 – FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has arrived in Brazil for the final time to oversee the run-up to the start of the World Cup, saying he expects “busy days ahead” to make sure everything is ready on time. Valcke arrived 24 hours after Brazil held the last two test events at its delayed stadiums, notably at the Sao Paulo venue that will host the opening game, and will visit all 12 host cities one last time “to see that the finishing touches”