Fergie lands role as UEFA coaching guru
January 24- Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will help shape the future of European football after being unveiled today by UEFA as its new coaching ambassador.
Gold Cup 2025
Gold Cup’s breakthrough strikers make case for Golden Boot and glory
June 27 – The Gold Cup 2025 has been the showcase for a number of forwards to make their case for international recognition and potential moves to Europe’s big leagues as they chase the Golden Boot for the competition’s top scorer.
France to play in 2016 qualifiers though place assured
By Andrew Warshaw
January 24- Euro 2016 hosts France are to play in the competition’s qualifying competition — but with a guarantee of their place in the finals secure.
Capello handed increased role as he commits to Russia through to 2018
By Richard van Poortvliet
January 24 – Fabio Capello has signed a contract extension with the Russian national team, which will see him in charge through to the 2018 World Cup, which the country will host.
Hoeness bites back as leaks trigger raid on German tax offices
January 24 – German prosecutors have searched tax offices in Bavaria as part of the probe into Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness who last year caused a sensation when he admitted publicly that he had millions of euros in a Swiss bank account that he had not declared.
‘Confidence reigns’ in Zurich as Blatter hosts Rousseff
By Andrew Warshaw
January 24 – Two days after one of Brazil’s 12 World Cup stadia learned it may have to be scrapped from the schedule because of construction delays, Brazil’s leader Dilma Rousseff and FIFA president Sepp Blatter presented a joint charm offensive following a courtesy meeting at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.
Rosell quits Barcelona presidency as pressure reaches boiling point
By Andrew Warshaw
January 24 – Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, one of the most influential figures in European football, has sensationally resigned over an investigation into last year’s signing of star Brazilian forward Neymar.
Montagliani unveils Canadian strategic plan and moots 2026 World Cup bid
By Paul Nicholson
January 24 – Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) president Victor Montagliani unveiled yesterday a new strategic plan for the sport in the country. Titled Leading a Soccer Nation, the document outlines priorities for 2014-18. But Montagliani is looking further ahead and says that Canada should bid for the 2026 World Cup.
BSports launches stats-driven show on Bloomberg African network
By Paul Nicholson
January 24 – Bloomberg Sports is launching its first weekly TV show this weekend on its own network, Bloomberg TV Africa. Titled Football Dynamics, the show will air three times on Saturdays and repeat twice on Sundays.
Matt Scott: Who would pay for Champagne’s new FIFA republic?
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” Plato, The Republic
Since the earliest days of democracy, political apathy has carried a price. In the UK, bizarre though it still seems, the price of a low voter turnout and diminished engagement with the political process was a £1,645 claim for a “floating duck island” by a member of the British parliament and knight of the realm.
Emergency calls for Fergie fall on deaf ears at Manchester police HQ
By Tom Parsons
January 23 – There is an old English saying that “if you are lost, ask a policeman”. But Greater Manchester Police have asked Manchester United supporters not to call 999 about concerns over the clubs recent loss of form.
UEFA exco holds first 2014 meeting with 2016 leading the agenda
January 23 – Fresh details of next month’s draw in Nice for the first ever 24-team European Championship finals are expected to be revealed on Friday after UEFA complete its first executive committee meeting of the year at its Swiss headquarters.
Man City build club portfolio buying into Australia’s Melbourne Heart
By Andrew Warshaw
January 23 – The financial power of Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City has stretched to the other side of the world with the announcement that the high-flying Premier League club have taken over cash-strapped A-League team Melbourne Heart.
Spurs fans face criminal charges over ‘Yid’ chants
January 23 – Three fans of English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have become the first to be charged with a criminal offence for chanting the word ‘Yid’ at matches despite almost certainly using the term in a non-derogatory way.
Chilean club opens the Israel/Palestine feud on a different continent
By Paul Nicholson
January 23 – A Chilean fist division club has opened up the Israel/Palestine football debate on a different continent, but with the same entrenched political positions coming to the fore.
Anelka says he is not anti-semitic and calls for FA to drop ‘Quennelle’ charges
By Andrew Warshaw
January 23 – Despite widespread condemnation of his action, former French international Nicolas Anelka has called on English football authorities to drop the charge against him for his now-infamous alleged Nazi-style gesture.