Dick Pound slams FIFA’s will to reform
By David Gold
October 4 – International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound has hit out at FIFA, saying that they lack the will to make the reforms necessary to restore faith in football.
World Football
Adamu makes final appeal to CAS against FIFA ban
By Andrew Warshaw
October 4 – Nigeria’s Amos Adamu, kicked out of FIFA for allegedly selling his World Cup vote, takes his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) today in a final attempt to overturn his three-year ban.
Sion drop CAS appeal against Swiss League
By David Gold
October 3 – FC Sion has dropped an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that they had lodged against the Swiss Football League after the six players who they bought whilst under a FIFA transfer ban were made eligible to play in league matches.
Plans submitted for new multi-million pound Welsh National Football Centre
By David Gold
October 3 – Plans have been handed to Newport Council for a new multi-million pound National Football Centre in Wales after the Newport International Sports Village was named as the chosen site of the proposed new venue.
Bin Hammam loses battle to retain control of Asia
By Andrew Warshaw
October 3 – Mohamed Bin Hammam’s latest attempt to regain both his pride and his standing in world football has failed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected his bid to be reinstated as head of Asian football.
Platini calls for tougher penalties on match fixing
By Andrew Warshaw
September 29 – UEFA President Michel Platini has urged all European countries to outlaw match fixing as a criminal offence warning it brings fears to the entire continent.
We will be reinstated to the Europa League, insist Sion
By Andrew Warshaw
September 28 – FC Sion have claimed again that they will soon be reinstated to the Europa League in their legal battle with UEFA.
South Sudan welcomed to CAF HQ ahead of FIFA admission
By David Gold
September 28 – Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Issa Hayatou (pictured left) has welcomed a delegation from South Sudan to his office in Cairo, as the two-month-old state looks to receive admission into the FIFA family.
Bermudan FA President warns of FIFA ban over finances probe
By David Gold
September 27 – The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) President Larry Mussenden (pictured) has warned his country’s Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney that FIFA could ban the country from international competition if he presses ahead with an inquiry into their finances.
Barcelona members approve Qatar Foundation deal
By David Gold
September 26 – Barcelona’s $230 million (£168 million/€194 million) shirt sponsorship deal with Qatar Foundation, the European champions’ first of its kind, has been ratified by the club’s members.
Real Madrid President calls for overhaul of members-based ownership to prevent foreign takeovers
By Andrew Warshaw
September 26 – Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez (pictured) wants to change the statutes of the members-based ownership of the club in order to prevent the kind of foreign takeovers that have affected the English Premier League, the French league and other European countries.
O’Sullivan named as new chief executive of WPS
By David Gold
September 26 – Jennifer Pogorelec O’Sullivan spoke of her delight at the opportunity to work with “the best female soccer players in the world” after being appointed as the chief executive of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).
African Champions League winners set for $1.4 million windfall
By David Gold
September 26 – The winner of this season’s Confederation of African Football Orange Champions League will take home $1.4 million (£900,000/€1 million), with the Confederations Cup champions taking just under half that figure.
Wellington Phoenix to continue in A-League after takeover
By David Gold
September 25 – Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced that Wellington Phoenix will continue to participate in the Hyundai A-League after their licence was given to a consortium led by Rob Morrison.
SAFA pledges support to drought hit Somalia
By David Gold
September 25 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced the creation of a fund to help victims of famine in Somalia.