FIFA launches Footieleaks website for whistleblowers
February 7 – FIFA has launched a website where whistleblowers can report allegations of corruption, match-fixing and breaches of the FIFA Code of Conduct and the FIFA Code of Ethics.
Field of four running for women’s Exco position
By Mark Baber
February 7 – There are now four candidates nominated to represent women’s football on the FIFA executive committee for a four year term, the first time the women’s game has had a permanent seat at the governing body’s top table.
India opens its doors to brave new football world
February 7 – If confirmation were needed that India’s football is intent on raising its profile, then the New Delhi conference ‘Goal 2013 India Football’, 14-15 February , will likely provide it.
Richard van Poortvliet: Russians like the idea of an old-style Soviet league
By Richard van Poortvliet
Russian’s can be nostalgic. Every so often I will get into a conversation with a taxi driver in Moscow who will reminisce about the benefits of living in the Brezhnev era, which stability ruled over consumer choice. Over the last couple of months that is not the only thing Russian’s have been missing about the USSR as the possibility of resurrecting the Soviet Top Football League or ‘Vyshaya Liga’
Mihir Bose: Why match fixing cannot be fixed
The story of match fixing in football is very like the story of Lance Armstrong. The world knew, with the singular exception of UCI, cycling’s world body, that Armstrong was a cheat. The problem was finding enough evidence to prove that he had doped his way to victory. And once the Americans had seen the light it was always a matter of time.
Of course even now the UCI refuses to accept responsibility for the fact that Armstrong cheated right under their noses.
AC Milan plunged into fresh racism row
By Mark Baber
February 6 – A storm of protest has been unleashed by vice-President of AC Milan, Paolo Berlusconi, the brother of ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi, after he described the club’s new acquisition, Mario Ballotelli, as “”il negretto della famiglia” (the n***** of the family).
‘Old’ Russia is still keen for the return of a CIS league
By Richard van Poortvliet
February 6 – The idea resurrecting the Soviet Top Football League or ‘Vyshaya Liga’ is growing in popularity.
Brazil friendly kicks off new global marketing deal
February 5 – Tonight’s friendly between Brazil and England, part of the FA’s 150 year celebration, is the first match under a new deal between Pitch International and the Brazilian football federation (CBF) under which the London-based sports rights agency has all commercial and marketing rights for Brazil’s friendly games for the next 10 years.
Canadian Soccer explores new pro league options
By Mark Baber
February 5 – The Canadian Soccer Association has released a report that looks set to pave the way for the establishment of a second tier of professional football in Canada.
Hungary and Bulgaria lose appeals against racism penalties
By Mark Baber
February 6 – The FIFA Appeal Committee has rejected the appeals lodged by the Hungarian Football Federation and the Bulgarian Football Union against the sanctions imposed last November for racist behaviour by their fans.
Comply or die is the message as the Financial Fair Play rules start to impact Europe’s clubs
By Mark Baber
February 5 – The challenge of keeping club costs under control and within sustainable limits has been at the heart of the European Club Licensing Benchmarking Report which is now providing a measuring stick for what UEFA terms fair financial play and how the governing body will implement the rules and, most likely, enforce them.
Player wages continue upwards spiral, by 38%
By Mark Baber
February 5 – Player wages have jumped by a massive 38% over the past five years, according to the UEFA European Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, more than absorbing the increase of 24% in revenues for clubs over the period.
Rangers stalked by persistent UK tax authorities
February 5 – Rangers chief executive Charles Green (pictured) has reacted angrily to the UK tax authorities reopening its case against the club and lodging an appeal against the verdict of the First Tier Tax Tribunal that had ruled in favour of the Scottish club.
Emirates renews PSG shirt sponsorship in 5-year deal
February 5 – The Emirates airline has agreed in principle to a new 5-year shirt sponsorship deal with Paris Saint-Germain, for an undisclosed sum.
Europol investigation finds organised crime knee-deep in match-fixing across Europe
By Mark Baber
February 5 – Europol has revealed results of a major investigation across 13 European countries that has uncovered an extensive criminal network involved in widespread football match-fixing, implicating more than 425 people across 15 countries and 380 professional matches.