Beckenbauer calls for dumbing down of offside law
By Andrew Warshaw
October 25 – German legend Franz Beckenbauer is aiming to change the offside law to make it simpler for referees to interpret.
World Football
German refs questioned in tax dodging inquiry
By Andrew Warshaw
October 24 – German referees are at the centre of a tax evasion investigation that threatens to heap embarrassment on a nation that prides itself on footballing ethics.
Barcelona open doors to “New Masia” for next generation of football greats
By David Gold
October 21 – European champions Barcelona have unveiled their “New Masia” academy as they look to find future stars of the game to follow the path trodden by Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Football “in danger” if Sion win, FIFA warn
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 20 – Football would be “in danger” if other teams follow the example of Swiss club Sion and go to the civil courts to try and resolve footballing disputes, FIFA warned here today.
It’s time for Blatter to put his money where his mouth is
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 20 – Almost five months after being elected for a final term as FIFA President pledging zero tolerance, it’s D-Day for Sepp Blatter who now has to put his money where his mouth is – if you will excuse the unfortunate choice of phrase.
Exclusive: Czechs plan bid for 2015 European Under-21 Championships
By David Gold
October 20 – The Czech Republic is planning to bid for the European under 21 championship in 2015 rather than the European Championships in 2020, insideworldfootball has learnt.
Football People Action Weeks get into action to rid discrimination in the sport
By David Gold
October 19 – The Football People Action Weeks is currently underway, featuring activities for fans, community groups, players, clubs and local authorities to help unite the football community against discrimination and celebrate diversity.
Platini “happy” to answer questions in Swiss court
By Andrew Warshaw
October 19 – UEFA boss Michel Platini (pictured right) took the unusual step of appearing in a Swiss court today over why UEFA has not yet implemented a ruling to reinstate Sion in the Europa League.
China turn to Japan for advice on how to succeed in football
By David Gold
October 19 – A delegation from China, including the Chinese Football Association (CFA) chief Wei Di, is in Japan to try to learn from its neighbours’ success on the football field.
Catch highlights from AFC Champions League on new YouTube channel
By David Gold
October 19 – Highlights from this week’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League semi-finals will be available to watch on a new YouTube channel, it has been announced.
Exclusive: Jack Warner is talking “garbage” claims Chuck Blazer
By Andrew Warshaw
October 19 – Chuck Blazer, the FIFA official who blew the whistle on the biggest bribery scandal in the organisation’s history, has launched a strongly worded rebuttal of a full-scale attack on him by former colleague Jack Warner, describing it as “garbage” and “an amazing work of fiction”.
Grondona wins record ninth term as head of Argentine FA
By David Gold
October 18 – Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Julio Grondona has won a record ninth term in office following an Extraordinary Congress of the organisation.
Morocco to host both 2013 and2014 FIFA Club World Cups
By David Gold
October 18 – The Club World Cup, which sees the winners of the European Champions League and the Copa Libertadores compete against teams around the world who have won their respective continental club competitions, is set to be hosted by Morocco in 2013 and 2014, insideworldfootball can reveal.
UEFA draw up emergency plans to include both Sion and Celtic in Europa League
By Andrew Warshaw
October 18 – UEFA are drawing up emergency plans to include both Sion and Celtic in the Europa League group stages if they lose the ongoing dispute with the Swiss club.
FIFA’s head of security continues to encourage whistleblowers with rewards
By Andrew Warshaw
October 17 – Four days before FIFA President Sepp Blatter unveils his eagerly awaited anti-corruption proposals, the organisation’s head of security Chris Eaton repeated today that amnesties would be offered to match-fixing whistleblowers as part of the plan.