Russia to make match-fixing a criminal offence
By Duncan Mackay
January 11 – Match-fixing will be a criminal offence under new legislation set to be put before the Russian Parliament, the country’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has revealed.
Namibians lose out on chance to play in African Nations Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
January 10 – The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) has turned down Namibia’s bid to take Burkino Faso’s place at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, which starts on January 21.
Players have been killed, admits FIFA’s head of security as war against match fixing continues
By Andrew Warshaw
January 10 – FIFA’s head of security has once again cranked up the publicity machine in the war against match fixing with fresh evidence of the scale of the problem worldwide.
Mihir Bose: Liverpool’s American owners need to step in and take control of the Suárez affair before it’s too late
Liverpool should be very careful that the club does not allow its handling of the Luis Suárez affair to get out of control. It is one thing playing the victim card as it has been on this issue. But situations like these acquire a momentum that makes what seems like a carefully planned journey to get sympathy turn into a train crash. Liverpool is perilously close to that and the events in the match against Oldham on Friday are a further warning of the consequences of the present Liverpool behaviour.
French football says ‘Allo’ to the pink Puma
By David Owen
January 10 – You cannot help but admire the boldness of some of sports goods company Puma’s football initiatives.
Messi wins third straight Ballon d’Or award
By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Argentina and Barcelona wizard Lionel Messi as expected was crowned World Player of the Year at a glittering FIFA gala in Zurich tonight – picking up the Ballon d’Or award for the third year running.
British Parliamentary Committee to investigate racism in football
By Duncan Mackay
January 10 – A British Parliamentary Committee is investigate whether enough is being done to combat racism in football after incidents involving high-profile players, including England and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Exclusive: Webb in line to take up CONCACAF Presidency
By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Jeff Webb (pictured right with Sepp Blatter), the man leading the effort to put Caribbean football back on its feet after months of scandal, is also being lined up as the next President of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to replace controversial former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.
Police investigation launched after SPL footballer suffers racist abuse on Twitter
By Tom Degun
January 9 – Police have launched an investigation after Scottish Premier League (SPL) player Grégory Tadé (pictured) suffered racist abuse on the social media site Twitter.
Australia Olympic team selection given three player limit per A-League club
By Tom Degun
January 9 – Football Federation Australia (FFA) have announced that the Olyroos football team for the London 2012 Olympic qualifying competition next month will be limited to three players per Hyundai A-League club.
I’d like to see Redknapp in charge of England after Euro 2012, says Sir Clive Woodward
By Alan Hubbard
January 8 – Sir Clive Woodward (pictured) has joined the call for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Redknapp to become the England football manager after Euro 2012.
Blatter’s reform programme is self-seeking, says investigative journalist trio
By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Three investigative journalists who have been probing FIFA conduct over a number of years have spelled out why they have snubbed an offer to take part in Sepp Blatter’s reform programme.
Botswana rumoured to boycott African Nations Cup over pay row
By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Botswana’s preparations for the African Cup of Nations have been thrown into turmoil with players being told there is no more money for bonuses amid rumours of a boycott.
French groups protest FIFA plan to lift ban on hijab
By Duncan Mackay
January 8 – A proposal to allow female Muslim footballers to wear the hijab during matches has been criticised by several groups in France, who have written to FIFA President Sepp Blatter to protest.
SAFA President heads 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee
By Tom Degun
January 7 – Kirsten Nematandani (pictured), the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, is set to lead the Organising Committee for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations having already played a major role in bringing the event to the country.