SPL and Mitre agree new four-year deal
By Emily Goddard
June 30 – The Scottish Premier League (SPL) today announced a new four-year partnership that will see Mitre continue as official ball supplier until 2015.
Exclusive: FIFA faces MPs wrath over handling of corruption allegations
By Mihir Bose
June 30 – FIFA will come in for unprecedented criticism from a House of Commons Select Committee over its handling of the corruption allegations surrounding World Cup bids next week.
Exclusive: Report shows Maracana doubt for Confederations Cup
By David Gold in London
June 30 – Brazil is facing a race against time to ensure the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is ready for the 2013 Confederations Cup, whilst doubts over the construction of stadia in Natal and São Paulo persist, according to a report released today by UK Trade & Industry.
Supporters group wants stake in troubled Racing Strasbourg
By David Gold
June 30- A supporters group is looking to buy a stake in ailing French third tier outfit Racing Strasbourg, with the club’s financial position becoming increasingly precarious.
Arrest of Birmingham City owner casts doubt on “fit and proper person” test
By Andrew Warshaw
June 30 – Carson Yeung, the Hong Kong-based boss of English Championship club Birmingham City, has appeared in court after being charged with money-laundering, throwing into question the credibility of English football’s so-called “fit and proper person” rules for foreign owners.
Mihir Bose: Blatter is famous for short-term tactical victories but will lack of long-term vision be his undoing?
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Is there anybody at FIFA minding the shop? Sepp Blatter, the President, clearly does not give the impression he is.
He may strut about as if he is the head of a unique Vatican-style sporting state, no territory or army, but through football, as the Vatican does through religion, reaching out to places no politician can. But the FIFA corruption crisis has exposed the fact that while Blatter is a master tactician who can turn almost every short term situation to his advantage,
Yeung helps police with money laundering probe
By David Gold
June 29 – Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung is “assisting police” with a criminal investigation in his native Hong Kong, the club have confirmed.
Olympic Stadium caught in middle of High Court drama again after Tottenham appeal
By Andrew Warshaw
June 29 – The future of the Olympic stadium after London 2012 remains unresolved after Tottenham Hotspur made one last pitch to take over the venue by announcing they will return to the High Court seeking a judicial review.
Former England 2018 bid leader joins online sports retailer in new role
By Duncan Mackay
June 28 – Andy Anson, the leader of England’s disastrous bid to host the 2018 World Cup, has been given a new role as chief executive of Kitbag, which claims to be Europe’s leading sports online retailer.
Cypriot police find no substance in UEFA match fixing claims
By David Gold
June 28 – Police have found no evidence of match fixing in Cyprus last year, despite UEFA claiming that such corruption almost certainly took place during four games.
Top private investigator disputes Sunday Times expose on Temarii
By Andrew Warshaw
June 27 – A French private investigator is claiming that a Sunday Times expose into corruption by a banned FIFA executive committee member was, in part, flawed.
Greek side probed in Europa match fixing scandal
By David Gold
June 27 – It is being claimed in various media outlets that a Europa League match involving Manchester City last season is at the heart of a match fixing scandal, with the Greek side Aris under investigation, though the English Premier League club’s behaviour is not under any suspicion from football authorities.
Riots force River Plate stadium to close ahead of Copa America
By David Gold
June 27 – With less than a week to go until the start of the Copa America, the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, which was set to host the tournament’s final on July 24, has been forced to shut as a result of violence following River Plate’s shock relegation to the Nacional B Division.
Spain, Switzerland and Belarus qualify for London 2012
By David Gold
June 26 – Spain, Switzerland and Belarus have all qualified for the football tournament at the London 2012 Olympic Games, following their performances in the European Under-21 Championships.