By Andrew Warshaw and Paul Nicholson
May 1 – Gianni Infantino’s grandiose plan to radically change the landscape of world football kicked into gear Monday when FIFA hosted initial talks with confederation leaders over investment proposals for two new competitions worth an estimated $25 billion.
By Andrew Warshaw
May 1 – Donald Trump has again entered the World Cup lobbying arena, perhaps not quite with the same threatening tone or language but nevertheless potentially in danger of again violating FIFA’s ethics code and by association undermining his country’s joint bid for the 2026 World Cup.
May 1 – Following a special session organised by the Sports Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) at the Miami Dade College in Florida, USA, SIGA has launched an action plan against abuse, smuggling and trafficking of children and young people in sport.
By David Owen
May 1 – Spare a thought for FIFA Congress delegates whose efforts to collect the $250 per diems to which they are entitled at this year’s event in Moscow may be complicated by pesky “Russian legislation”.
May 1 – Chivas’ victory over Toronto FC to win the club’s first Concacaf title and qualify for their Club World Cup later in the year, was the 13th consecutive title for Mexican teams in the confederation’s premier club competition.
May 1 – FIFA have named the 13 video assistant referees who could become heroes or villains with their decision making at next month’s World Cup in Russia.
May 1 – FIFA have warned Nigeria that they could be kicked out of the World Cup if they don’t sort out their internal affairs.
By David Owen
May 1 – Nuri Şahin has struck a blow for footballer-intellectuals, gaining admittance to the uber-prestigious Harvard Business School in the United States.
By Andrew Warshaw
April 30 – In what can only be construed as a rap over the knuckles, FIFA has been quick to clarify its rules of conduct over government interference following last week’s remarkable politically-charged tweet by US President Donald Trump that appeared to violate the 2026 World Cup bid process.
“What will be the future of Wembley Stadium?” This might have been a headline last week, as news emerged of a possible deal to sell Europe’s best jumbo-sized football venue to Shahid Khan, owner of tier-two Fulham and the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL).
By Samindra Kunti
April 30 – Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah has been angered over the unauthorised use of his image, blaming the Egyptian Football Association in a dispute that comes less than two months before the World Cup in Russia.
April 30 – Former Brazilian FA (CBF) president Marco Polo Del Nero, who had his suspension turned into a life ban for bribery and corruption by FIFA’s ethics committee last Friday, says he will appeal against the verdict even though it wouldn’t appear he has much chance of clearing his name.
April 30 – Three weeks after being fired as Japan’s national coach, Vahid Halilhodzic says he still doesn’t know why he was ousted as he launched a passionate defence of his time of charge.
By Paul Nicholson
April 30 – Ellis Short (pictured), US billionaire of former Premier League club Sunderland, is selling up and getting out of English football after a ten-year ownership spell that has seem him lose £250 million.
April 30 – China’s football expansion beyond the 11-a-side game has a new commercial supporter with electric bike company Yadea announcing that they have become the title sponsor of the country’s elite futsal league – Sina Elite 5X5 Football League 2018.