By Mark Baber
FIFA has extended the deadline for Nigeria to reinstate Aminu Maigari’s Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) board or face further sanctions from today (Tuesday, July 15) to Thursday July 17 in the light of a judicial strike which is delaying the resolution of matters in the Nigerian courts.
The extension was granted due to nationwide industrial action currently being taken by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15- Brazilian sports minister Also Rebello has launched a scathing attack on what he describes as the “colonialism” of young Brazilian footballers by European clubs.
As the inquest continues into Brazil’s World Cup humiliation – coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s resignation has now been confirmed by the Brazilian FA — Rebello said youth development had been hindered by too many talented youngsters being lured too early by the prospect of going to Europe – and taking their parents with them.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15- Amid yet another twist in the alleged World Cup ticketing scandal involving the British director of a Fifa partner firm, Fifa itself has issued the strongest defence yet of its own integrity and credibility in the matter.
Reports in Brazil claim Ray Whelan, who works with Match Services on the hospitality side and is one of 12 people detained by police as part of an investigation into an international ticket touting gang,
July 15- FIFA has denied reports that there could be a clash with European clubs over the release of players for future World Cups.
The clubs are seeking a new financial deal for compensating their highly-paid employees since the European Club Association’s existing memorandum of understanding with Fifa is expiring. Football’s world governing body distributed money on a daily rate for as long as players were involved in the tournament in Brazil.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15- FIFA President Sepp Blatter delivered a generally positive report on the World Cup in Brazil – but admits his organization came up short when it came to dealing with discrimination.
Despite all the fears about lack of organization and street protests, the tournament was widely considered one of the best off the field – and perhaps THE best on it.
By Ben Nicholson
July 15 – The 2014 World Cup has set new records for both Twitter and Facebook, becoming the most talked about sporting event in history on social media and living up to its pre-tournament moniker of being ‘The Mobile World Cup’.
July 15 – Adidas have renewed their partnership with the Mexican national team in an eight-year deal that means they will provide playing and training kit up until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
By Mark Baber
July 14 – Manchester United and Adidas have agreed the biggest ever deal in sports licensing history as the German sportswear giant will sponsor the United kit as technical sponsor and dual branded licensing partner. The deal is for a minimum of £75 million ($128 million) a year for the next ten years, beginning with the 2015-2016 season.
By Mark Baber
July 14 – FIFA have confirmed that Luis Suárez cannot participate in an unveiling event at Barcelona as, “he cannot be in a football-related event irrespective of venue.” Meanwhile Adidas, his main sponsor, look likely to stick with the player.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – FIFA have made their first public comment on the ongoing World Cup ticketing scandal saying they fully support their long-term partner Byrom and its wholly owned subsidiary Match Services AG against the allegations concerning Match’s British accommodation chief Ray Whelan who is at the centre of an investigation by Brazilian authorities.
By David Owen
July 12 – As attention now switches to the new crop of club shirt deals – and Manchester United £600 million kit sponsor chase looks like the next ‘big’ one on the horizon – the 2014 World Cup Battle of the Brands drew to a close in Brazil this weekend with an all-Nike third-place play-off, followed by an all-Adidas final.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – The choice of Lionel Messi as the recipient of the Golden Ball award as the best player at the World Cup was somewhat controversial after an in-and-out performance by the Argentine maestro in Sunday’s showpiece finale.
July 14 – Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has quit following his country’s World Cup disaster, according to Brazilian media including leading broadcaster Globo TV.
By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – If ever the expression ‘good things comes to those who wait’ is applicable to football, look no further than Germany’s thoroughly deserved World Cup triumph in the Maracana on Sunday night. A repetition of their semi-final humiliation of hosts Brazil was never likely against a resolute, spirited Argentina team who had the better chances yet didn’t record a single shot on target, Lionel Messi being one of the culprits.
July 14 – The Ghanaian government has dismissed the claims made by Ghanaian asylum seekers in Brazil that there is reason to flee the nation due to religious conflict.