O2 end Arsenal sponsorship
By David Gold
July 25 – After the bombshell that Robin van Persie would not be renewing his Arsenal deal, O2 have decided to end their association with the Premier League club as well.
FIFA dispute looms as three Gabon players withheld from London 2012
By Andrew Warshaw
July 25 – Three clubs, two French and one Gabonese, have refused to release players to compete for Gabon at London 2012, putting them on a collision course with FIFA.
To medal at London 2012 Team GB footballers must hit ground running, says coach Pearce
By Andrew Warshaw
July 24 – Team GB head coach Stuart Pearce says his side will have to hit the ground running if they are to stand any chance of winning an Olympic medal.
Two more nominees for RFU President
By David Gold
July 24 – Two new names have been thrown into the ring for the Russian Football Union (RFU) President role.
Seitz selected to officiate opening match of Olympic Games
By Stuart Newman
July 23 – Kari Seitz will enjoy the honour of taking charge of the opening match of London 2012 when she referees the tussle between hosts Team GB and New Zealand on Wednesday (July 25), the FIFA Organising Committee for Olympic Football Tournaments has announced.
Cairo rivals do battle behind closed doors amid ongoing Egyptian football security fears
By David Gold
July 23 – Cairo rivals Zamalek and Al Ahly played each other this weekend behind closed doors for the first time in the history of their century old rivalry as security concerns continue to affect Egyptian football.
US women’s London 2012 football team prepare to defend Olympic crown
By David Gold
July 23 – Reigning Olympic champions the United States begin the defence of their women’s football title at London 2012 on Wednesday (July 25) against France, determined to make up for their defeat in last year’s World Cup final.
Bin Hammam at centre of new corruption scandal – with Warner also implicated
By Andrew Warshaw
July 23 – Mohamed Bin Hammam, Asia’s most powerful football administrator until last year’s cash-for-votes scandal, has been plunged into fresh controversy by a damning new report alleging he misappropriated funds while President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Italian striker fined over gay comments at Euro 2012
By Andrew Warshaw
July 22 – Italy striker Antonio Cassano has been fined €15,000 (£11,800/$18,200) by UEFA for homophobic comments made during the recent European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
Russian football so bad, I have been nominated for RFU President, says Mutko
By David Gold
July 21 – Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has emerged as a contender for the vacant post of President of the Russian Football Union (RFU).
Miracle Man Muamba to carry Olympic Torch
By Andrew Warshaw at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London
July 21 – Fabrice Muamba, the Premier League footballer who almost died after suffering a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup tie late last season, is set to carry the Olympic Torch today.
Team GB find out how much work to do after Brazil lesson
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – One hundred years after winning an Olympic football gold medal in an era that was strictly amateur, Team GB were given a stern footballing lesson by Brazil tonight in their final warm-up game before the start of London 2012.
Warner “relieved and comforted” by CAS Bin Hammam verdict
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Jack Warner, the former FIFA vice-president who resigned over last year’s cash-for-votes affair, says he feels “relieved and comforted” after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) annulled the lifetime ban on his alleged partner in crime, Mohamed Bin Hammam.
Neville backs Pearce’s decision to leave Beckham out of Team GB squad
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, now a member of the England senior team backroom staff, has backed the controversial decision to leave his one-time teammate David Beckham out of the London 2012 squad.
I’ll quit football once I’ve cleared my name, claims Bin Hammam
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Mohamed Bin Hammam claims he will quit football once he has completely cleared his name after having his lifetime ban for alleged bribery surprisingly overturned.