Anderlecht u-turn threatens Brussels 2020 Euro stadium
By Samindra Kunti
October 5 – Belgium’s proposed new Brussels-based stadium for the EURO2020 finals might be in danger after leading club RSC Anderlecht have pulled out of the project.
World Football
2014 legacy: Corinthians battle to finish and fund Arena
By Samindra Kunti
October 2 – Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht is planning to finally deliver the Arena Corinthians on October 16, but the stadium will not be complete. With a number of sectors and areas around the stadium unfinished, Corinthians have expressed concern, but have said they do not intend to open legal proceedings against the builders.
Estonia earmarks €5m stadium spend as national team interest grows
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
October 2 – As a result of increased interest in the home matches played by Estonia’s national team, the country’s government is planning to spend about €5 million with the aim of increasing the capacity of A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn to about 15,000 seats.
Singapore FA averts FIFA sanctions with move to end government appointments
By Mark Baber
October 2 – Under pressure from FIFA to end government interference in appointment of its officials, the Singapore FA (FAS) has delayed the appointment of new council members, promising to put a new election process in place by March 2016.
Amsterdam ArenA upgrades for 2020 Euros with dramatic new shape
By Paul Nicholson
October 2 – Amsterdam ArenA, the home of Dutch giants Ajax and which will host four matches at the 2020 European Championships, has unveiled a major €50 million renovation project that will radically alter the look of the stadium and upgrade spectator facilities.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly: US vs Mexico coming to a Big Screen near you
By Ben Nicholson
October 1 – The rivalry between Mexico and the US national teams has reached levels worthy of cinematic production. The upcoming one-off CONCACAF playoff between the pair, which will decide who will go to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, is slated for the big screen in 200 locations across the US.
English FA see no Platini problem and reconfirm backing for FIFA leadership
By Andrew Warshaw
October 1 – England’s Football Association says it will continue to back Michel Platini’s bid to become FIFA president despite the Frenchman being drawn into the FIFA corruption scandal with last week’s revelation that he received SFr 2million for carrying out work on behalf of Sepp Blatter at the time he was his special adviser.
US agree Marin extradition, Swiss say Li can go too
By Paul Nicholson
October 1 – Brazilian Jose Maria Marin (pictured) and Costa Rican Eduardo Li are the fifth and sixth of the seven FIFA executives arrested in the dawn raids in Switzerland in May to have the next stages of their extradition processes to the US unveiled.
Kenyan farce escalates as FKF denies corruption ahead of elections
By Mark Baber
September 30 – With Football Kenya Federation elections looming, football in Kenya continues to be overshadowed by the claims of intrigue, corruption and manipulation. Notwithstanding the commercial and administrative mess and infighting he has created within Kenyan football, President Sam Nyamweya (pictured) hangs on and remains in the race for another four year term, whilst FIFA’s role, especially the apparent lack of action of its Ethics Committee, appears increasingly indefensible.
Palestine appeal to FIFA and AFC chief to restore home World Cup qualifier with Saudi
By Andrew Warshaw
September 30 – Palestinian football authorities have stepped up their campaign to overturn an order by FIFA to play a crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on neutral ground.
Barca’s Mascherano feels the heat as Spanish hit him with €1.5m tax fraud charges
September 30 – Barcelona’s Argentine international Javier Mascherano has been charged with two counts of tax evasion in the latest fraud case to hit Spanish-based players.
Brazil bring in US-style draft for national team players in women’s league
By Samindra Kunti
September 30 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have introduced an American-style draft in Brazilian women’s football to ensure a more competitive balance in the domestic league.
English FA to discuss whether to keep backing Platini for FIFA presidency
By Andrew Warshaw
September 30 – English FA officials meeting today are expected to discuss whether to stick by their decision to support embattled UEFA boss Michel Platini in next February’s FIFA presidential election.
Romania’s richest jailbird stays locked up leaving his Liga1 club strapped for cash
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
September 29 – The financial woes of Romanian top tier club Astra Giurgiu are set to continue as an application for an early release filed by its jailed owner, Romanian businessman Ioan Niculae (pictured), was recently rejected by a local court. Niculae is currently serving a sentence of 914 days, and, under Romanian law, to be granted an early release, he must serve at least 304 days.
VW crisis will not pollute Wolfsburg, says Allofs
September 29 – The Volkswagen emissions scandal will not affect the status of Wolfsburg, the Bundesliga club owned by the embattled car manufacturer, according to sporting director Klaus Allofs.