Football League announces Prostate Cancer Charity partnership
By David Gold
December27 – The Football League has announced The Prostate Cancer Charity as its official charity partner for 2012-2013.
Romario and Ronaldo announce disabled tickets at 2014 World Cup
By David Gold
December 27 – More than 30,000 tickets to the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be given to disabled fans, the legendary former Brazil forwards Romário and Ronaldo have announced.
Gabon completes 2012 African Cup of Nations stadia
By David Gold
December 27 – Gabon has completed construction of two new stadiums in Libreville and Franceville for the 2012 African Cup of Nations, which gets underway on January 21, a Gabonese member of the Organising Committee told insideworldfootball.
FIFA launch tender process for 2018 and 2022 World Cups
By David Gold
December 27 – The tender process for media rights in most European countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, being held in Russia and Qatar respectively, has been started by FIFA.
Warner renews Blatter hostilities
By David Gold
December 26 – Former CONCACAF chief Jack Warner has launched a new attack on Sepp Blatter, in which he accuses the FIFA President of “megalomania, covert racism and discrimination”.
World Cup winner wants Qatar 2022 switched to winter
By David Gold
December 26 – Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro says that the 2022 World Cup, being held by Qatar, should be held in the winter because of the intense heat.
African Nations Cup preparations disrupted for Senegal and Equatorial Guinea
By David Gold
December 26 – Ahead of next month’s African Nations Cup, Group A rivals Senegal and Equatorial Guinea, who co-host the tournament with Gabon, are in turmoil due to political disputes over their national coaches.
No celebrations as Australia’s Football Federation reaches 100 years
By David Gold
December 26 – Australia’s football pioneers have been acclaimed at the 100th anniversary of the formation of the country’s national governing body.
Wambach becomes first footballer to claim AP Athlete of the Year prize
By David Gold
December 25 – American star Abby Wambach has become the first footballer to win the Associated Press Athlete of the Year prize after her performances at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany.
Chelsea decide against tribute for captain John Terry
By Declan Warrington
December 24 – Chelsea have confirmed that they will not emulate Liverpool’s tribute to the forward Luis Suarez and will decline to wear T-shirts to support their captain, John Terry.
Neil Lennon won’t prevent London 2012 Olympic call-ups
By David Gold
December 23 – Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed that Scott Brown, James Forrest and Adam Matthews have been lined up to play for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games and says he will not stand in their way if they are selected and want to go.
Mihir Bose: Tottenham’s de-listing from the stock market highlights uncertainty amongst English clubs
Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to de-list from the stock market deserves more than to be buried in the footnotes as one of those curious things football club directors indulge in.
Not only is it a reversal of a policy that Tottenham inaugurated more than 30 years ago, but it also highlights that modern English football clubs have just not worked out what is the right structure for them.
What a contrast to the continent where German,
Russian billionaire buys controlling stake in troubled AS Monaco
By David Gold
December 23 – AS Monaco were given a timely boost when Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev acquired a controlling stake in the struggling Principality club.
Horace Burrell to be appointed at CFU despite cash-for-votes scandal
By Andrew Warshaw
December 23 – Horace Burrell, the most high-profile Caribbean official sanctioned over the cash-for-votes scandal that led to the downfall of Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner, is to take up a prominent position in a revamped Caribbean Football Union (CFU).
Guinness agrees two-year extension of Nigeria sponsorship
By David Gold
December 22 – Guinness has signed a two-year extension to its sponsorship of Nigerian football and hopes that its support can help restore the fortunes of the national team.