Mboma backs Japan 2022 World Cup bid
.jpg)
By Andrew Warshaw
September 14 – Patrick Mboma is the latest footballer to be unveiled by Japan as a World Cup ambassador as the country strives to make up ground in the bid to stage the 2022 tournament.
Football in Australia needs shake-up claims leading official
By Andrew Warshaw
September 13 – One of Australia’s leading football officials has issued a damning indictment of the sport’s development in the country, insisting it needs a radical shake-up to restore credibility.
Mihir Bose: Frenchie Gerard Houllier has unfinished business in the Premier League
.jpg)
Gerard Houllier’s return to the Premier League was, perhaps, one of the most predictable of events of the season. What is more, he will bring to Aston Villa the conviction that his departure from Liverpool in 2004, after six years in charge, left him with unfinished business in England.
Houllier has a mission to accomplish and he sees the Midlands club as his last great chance to leave his mark on the English game.
US will withdraw 2018 World Cup bid says Platini
By Andrew Warshaw
September 13 – UEFA President Michel Platini insists he has still not made up his mind about who to back for the 2018 World Cup but is now “100 percent sure” the tournament will come to Europe.
Sydney Olympic hero throws support behind Australia 2022
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 12 - Australia should be awarded the 2022 World Cup because the 2000 Sydney Olympics was such an outstanding success that showed the country is capable of staging majors events better than anyone else, Cathy Freeman has claimed.
Scottish fans complain they cannot support England World Cup bid
.jpg)
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 12 – The ruling Scottish National Party have complained to Geoff Thompson, the chairman of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, because they claim that Scottish fans are unable to pledge their support to a campaign first launched by Gordon Brown, a Scot and keen Raith Rovers supporter .
West Brom banner in support of Odemwingie delayed
September 11 – Plans by West Bromwich Albion fans to display a banner answering the alleged racist send-off given to Peter Odemwingie from Lokomotiv Moscow fans at today’s match against Tottenham Hotspur were scuppered by technical problems.
Bolivian Youth Olympic gold medallists were over-aged, it is claimed
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 12 – Bolivia’s boys football team that won the gold medals at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore last month contained up to five players that were over-aged, it has been alleged.
Trinidad and Tobago appeal over World Cup bonuses
September 11 - The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) have launched an appeal against the decision that they must pay country’s 2006 World Cup squad, including Stern John, multi-million dollar bonuses they claim they were promised.
MLS expansion is proof that US World Cup does have a legacy claims coach
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 11 – The expansion of Major League Soccer (MLS) illustrates the benefits of hosting a World Cup in the United States, the country’s coach Bob Bradley (pictured) has claimed.
Brazil 2014 look to 2016 for new media manager
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 10 – Saint-Clair Milesi (pictured), head of communications for Rio 2016, is quitting to take up a new role with the 2014 World Cup, which is also being staged in Brazil, he has announced.
Qatar Airways sign up as sponsor of World Cup bid
.jpg)
September 10 – Qatar Airways has been announced as as the official airline of the country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Exclusive: England World Cup bid will not be distracted by Russian claims promises Sports Minister
.jpg)
By Duncan Mackay in London
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
September 10 – England 2018 will not be drawn into a war of words with its main rival Russia following potentially explosive claims by that country’s World Cup bid leader Vitaly Mutko, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson has promised.
Liverpool trademark the Liver Bird
September 9 – Premier League Liverpool has successfully trademarked the Liver Bird, the city’s world-famous symbol.
US ready to concede defeat in 2018 World Cup campaign
By Andrew Warshaw
September 10 – The head of the United States bid to stage the World Cup admitted today that a growing number of FIFA’s 24 voting members favoured the 2018 tournament going to Europe.