FA loses another top official
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 12 – Simon Freedman (pictured) has become the latest senior executive to leave the Football Association, quitting his role as head of marketing.
World Football
Irish Football Association to hold review after Kennedy resignation
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 7 – A review into the Irish Football Association (IFA) has been announced by chief executive Patrick Nelson following the controversial resignation of President Raymond Kennedy and his deputy David Martin.
IFA President goes – but on his own terms
July 6 – Raymond Kennedy has negotiated a series of concessions in return for his resignation as President of the Irish Football Association (IFA), it has emerged.
Nigerian President lifts ban on national team
July 5 - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has rescinded a decision to withdraw the country’s teams from international competition after FIFA warned Government interference could result in the federation being suspended.
Kennedy and deputy forced to resign at Irish Football Association
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 5 – Raymond Kennedy has resigned as President of the Irish Football Association (IFA), along with his deputy David Martin, after they were blamed for costing the organisation more than half-a-million pounds with the controversial sacking of Howard Wells as chief executive in October 2008.
Richard Caborn wants to be next chairman of FA
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 3 – Former Sports Minister Richard Caborn has put himself forward to replace Lord Triesman as the chairman of the Football Association.
Irish Football Association President facing axe over Wells report
July 2 – Irish Football Association President Raymond Kennedy (pictured centered) and his deputy David Martin are on the verge of being forced to resign from their posts as the top two leaders in Northern Ireland football only two weeks after being re-elected unopposed.
Nigerian Government given Monday deadline to lift international ban
July 2 – FIFA have given the Nigerian Government until Monday (July 5) to rescind its withdrawal of the country’s national teams from competition or face suspension.
Jack Warner to miss World Cup final because he is running country
July 1 – Jack Warner (pictured), the FIFA vice-president, is set to miss the World Cup final at Soccer City in Johannesburg later this month because he will be running Trinidad and Tobago.
Former FA chief executive given new role cutting out Government waste
June 30 – Former chief executive of the Football Association, Ian Watmore (pictured right), who controversially resigned in March, has a key new role trying to help cut Government waste, it was announced today.
Nigerian President “bans” national team for two years
June 30 – Nigeria have been suspended from international football for the next two years – by the country’s President.
Qatari Sheikh seals deal to become first foreign owner in Spain
June 26 – Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, a member of the Qatar ruling family, has bought the struggling Primera Liga club Malaga for $44 million (£29 million), the first foreigner to own a Spanish club.
Okocha fails to get Nigerian Football Federation elections stopped
June 24 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has refused to stop the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) holding elections in August by a high-level delegation, including the country’s Sports Minister Isa Bio and former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha, who claim that the govering body is corrupt.
Warner row continues as he calls for resignations
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 21 – The row over whether FIFA vice-president Jack Warner should be able to combine his role with a senior Cabinet post in the Trinidad and Tobago Government continues to rumble on even though he has been cleared to continue in both positions.
Irish FA accounts reveal £516,000 spent on former chief executive
June 21 – It cost the Irish Football Association (IFA) £516,000 ($760,000) to get rid of chief executive Howard Wells (pictured), newly published accounts reveal.