African Nations Cup to be held in odd years from 2013
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May 15 – The African Nations Cup tournament will be staged in odd years from 2013, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided today.
World Tournaments
Togo African Nations Cup ban officially lifted
May 14 – Togo have been officially cleared to play in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifying competition after an Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive meeting in Cairo, a statement released today said.
Germany or Hungary lined-up to replace Ukraine admits Platini
By Andrew Warshaw
May 10 – Germany or Hungary could be invited to stage some 2012 European Championship games if Ukraine fails to meet targets for stadium redevelopment, UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured) has warned.
Togo have African Nations Cup ban lifted after Blatter hearing
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By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 7 – Togo have had their ban from the next two editions of the African Cup of Nations lifted after a mediation hearing today chaired by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, it has been announced.
Platini promises Euro 2012 will take place in Ukraine
May 4 – Michel Platini (pictured), the President of UEFA, promised today that Ukraine will remain as co-host of Euro 2012 but warned that if any of the four cities is not fully ready then they would be dropped from the schedule.
Row over taxes hits Euro 2012 preparations
May 3 – A new row that could threaten Euro 2012 has erupted after Poland’s Ministry of Finance said that it wants to renegotiate its agreement with UEFA exempting them from taxes during the tournament.
Exclusive: FIFA lift Olympic dress ban on Iranian women’s team
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
May 2 – A ban on Iran’s women’s team competing in the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore later this year has been lifted after a new set of clothing that complied with the Islamic dress code was proposed to FIFA, it has been claimed.
Platini criticism leads to Ukrainian stadium contractor being sacked
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April 26 – The main contractor working on construction of the stadium being built in Lviv for the 2012 European Championship has been replaced following criticism by UEFA President Michel Platini on the slow pace of progress.
Blatter to mediate in Togo row
April 22 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced tonight that FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured) will mediate a dispute over Togo’s ban from the next two editions of the African Cup of Nations.
Israeli anger at having to play Euro 2012 matches on Friday
April 17 – Religious leaders in Israel have criticised plans for the country’s national team, including Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun (pictured), to play some of its Euro 2012 qualifying matches on a Friday, which is considered in the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Exclusive: We want paradise in stadiums, not hell, says Turkish Euro 2016 bid leader
By David Owen in Istanbul
April 14 – Coaches call it a winning habit. Usually it refers to events on the field of play. But Turkey is starting to develop a winning habit when it comes to bids to host international sports events.
Italy confident after UEFA complete Euro 2016 inspection visit
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April 13 – A UEFA delegation has completed its two-day inspection of Italy’s bid to host the 2016 European Championships.
Turkey has confidence in UEFA that Euro 2016 contest will be fair
By David Owen in Istanbul
April 12 – Mahmut Özgener (pictured), President of the Turkish Football Federation, today expressed confidence in the integrity of the Euro 2016 bidding process, as the body unveiled a new four-year strategic plan.
Adebayor retires from international football because of terror attack on Togo team
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April 12 - Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor (pictured) announced his retirement from international football today, claiming he is “still haunted” by the deadly attack on his team at the African Cup of Nations in January.
Ukraine given two months by Platini to sort out Euro 2012
April 8 – Ukraine have been given only two months to get preparations for the 2012 European Championships back on track if they are to continue to co-host them with Poland, UEFA President Michel Platini said today.