New England pull in Goldman Sachs for new stadium revolution
By Ben Nicholson
August 17 – Goldman Sachs looks set to serve as an underwriter for The New England Revolution’s desires for a soccer-specific stadium.
FIFA’s internal US investigators given power to knock on some big doors
By Mark Baber
August 17 – A report in the Wall Street Journal suggests an internal investigation by FIFA being conducted by lawyers from the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, plans to compel testimony from dozens of current and former top FIFA officials and to seize documents and electronic records.
Botafogo build digital content as part of brand plan to return to top tier
By Samindra Kunti
August 17 – Brazilian club Botafogo have partnered with IO2 Technology for development sponsorship to boost engagement on its digital platforms.
Indonesians restart football with new competitions but FIFA bans remain
By Mark Baber
August 17 – As Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day, the government has intervened to set up two new competitions for lower league clubs, whilst La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti (pictured), the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) which is currently suspended by FIFA, laments that football in his country has not yet gained its independence.
Chung enters presidential race saying he needs just 4 years to clean up FIFA
By Paul Nicholson
August 17 – South Korea’s Chung Mong-Joon officially launched his FIFA presidency bid this morning in Paris saying that he would be a “crisis manager and a reformer” if he were elected. He said that under his leadership FIFA would not become a Eurocentric organisation and that he would take just one term to reinvent the governing body.
UEFA complain of FIFA smear campaign as new desert storm rolls into Europe
By Paul Nicholson
August 17 – The war between Nyon and Zurich escalated at the weekend with UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino writing to FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke complaining of a smear campaign against UEFA president Michel Platini and asking FIFA to investigate a letter that was circulated to Swiss and German newspapers.
David Owen: François Carrard and the key difference between the IOC and FIFA
Much has been made of the appointment of a veteran of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Salt Lake City crisis to chair the new body charged with drafting a package of reform proposals far-reaching enough to salvage FIFA’s battered reputation.
Emirates unveils new deal with Arabian Gulf League, but Iranian tensions simmer
By Mark Baber
August 14 – Emirates announced Thursday that it has signed a three-year deal with the UAE’s domestic league – officially known as the ‘Arabian Gulf League’ – as its Official Partner and Airline, in a move which risks exacerbating tensions with Iran.
Zico repairs bridges on his journey to sign up five backers for FIFA bid
By Ricardo Setyon
August 14 – Having spent Father’s Day with his family, Zico is now in Goa, India, relaxing in a top 5-star hotel but plotting a dual course – his Goa FC club’s assault on the Indian Super League, and his personal campaign for the FIFA presidency.
ASEAN federation gets support to target World Cup 2034 hosting
By Mark Baber
August 14 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Football Federation (AFF) has set its sights on the ASEAN region jointly hosting the 2034 World Cup. Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pictured) has told local media that the 10 ASEAN nations who attended the ASEAN ministerial meeting on Sports in Kuala Lumpur have agreed to conduct a feasibility study.
Belgian Michel Sablon structures a Singaporean revolution
By Samindra Kunti
August 14 – Back in April, at the tiny Jalan Besar stadium in hot and humid conditions, Harimau Muda ground out their first S.League win of the season against Young Lions, 1-0. From the stands Michel Sablon was watching on with much interest. The Belgian is a seasoned observer of the beautiful game. He had watched games from the USA to Indonesia, but this was his first acquaintance with Singaporean football.
Matt Scott: Roman, please may I have another two more players?
“Thinking to get at once all the gold the goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find nothing.” The goose with the golden eggs, Aesop
Even John Terry – that Captain, Leader, Legend of Chelsea lore, who would in time make rubble of walls with his bare thighs if his manager so desired – is not superhuman. Eight years ago even he was knocked unconscious on a football pitch,
Andrew Warshaw: In reform can we trust?
Under pressure and backed into a corner? No problem, let’s take the weight off our shoulders by setting up a Task Force, pat ourselves on the back, send it away and hope for the best.
Spurs suit up with new threads from Aquascutum partnership
August 14 – English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have sharpened up for the new season with a new look and three-year partnership with English tailors Aquascutum, who will become the club’s new Official Formal Wear Partner.
The world according to Platini: Monaco date set for grand reveal
August 14 – Michel Platini has chosen Friday, August 28, to fully explain his decision to go for the FIFA presidency on February 26 just months after deciding he didn’t want the job.