Ukraine and Peru keep doors open as sanctions go to appeal
By Paul Nicholson
October 4 – FIFA has suspended sanctions against Ukraine and Peru for their upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches in October.
Qatar holds firm in Zurich desert storm as politicos sharpen agendas
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 4 – With the hype of the Qatar ‘winter or summer’ debate reaching fever pitch amongst the world’s media, providing a feast of guesswork and mis-interpretation, Qatar 2022 chief Hassan Al Thawadi has re-iterated once again that his country’s intensive lobbying campaign to secure the tournament was totally above board and broke none of FIFA’s strict bidding rules.
Summer or Winter, the Qataris say they are ready for either
By Andrew Warshaw
October 3 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers have re-iterated their pledge that they are prepared to host the tournament any time FIFA requires and remain committed to their revolutionary air-cooling technology.
Exclusive: Qatar may provide the face-saving, no break in Platini’s ranks
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
October 3 – Qatar is coming under subtle pressure to formally request switching the 2022 World Cup from the searing heat of the Gulf summer in order to save FIFA having to make the landmark one-off decision. Although the Qataris have long insisted they would never contemplate taking unilateral action and being the ones to ask for a change, InsideWorldFootball has learned that a deal could be struck to ensure the 2022 hosts are not unduly jeopardised by offering themselves to hold the tournament in winter.
Striani and Dupont in court today to start Financial Fair Play challenge
By Mark Baber
October 3 – The challenge to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations by Daniel Striani, is due in Brussels’ Court of First Instance today in what will be a short hearing to set a schedule for handling the complaint lodged in May.
Manchester United expand TV footprint into the South Seas
By Mark Baber
October 3 – Manchester United has announced a three-year agreement with Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL)’s Fiji TV to bring MUTV to the South Pacific for the first time.
FA criticised as English match fixing scandal deepens and links to Aussie arrests
By Paul Nicholson
October 3 – The match fixing scandal surrounding non-league players in England has deepened with the revelation that three of the four players arrested in Australia were from AFC Hornchurch in England’s Conference South division.
Mihir Bose: Brussels, not Westminster, may turn the tide for Barry Hearn’s Olympic Stadium bid
Disenchantment with Europe is now so prevalent in Britain that it seems hard to find anyone who looks to Europe to help their cause. Yet Barry Hearn, who has got nowhere in his fight to share the Olympic stadium with West Ham, may find Brussels rather than Westminster is his best bet.
At the moment, having spent three quarters of a million pounds in legal fees over three years and got nowhere –
IFA readies for October forum with focus on the future and ‘mega’ events
By Paul Nicholson
October 2 – The International Football Arena will celebrate the 15th edition of its Zurich meeting October 28-29. The invitation-only event has grown into an important discussion forum as well as a key networking event for leaders in football from across the game’s different disciplines and geographies. IFA founder Marcel Schmid says the event at FIFA House this year will be looking forward and predicting the next 15 years for the football business
Andrew Warshaw: Eerie calm before the desert storm
Whatever transpires at the eagerly awaited gathering of FIFA’s top brass in Zurich on Friday, any decision to switch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from the searing heat of the Gulf summer has suddenly taken on additional intrigue following the revelation that FIFA’s chief corruption-buster is stepping up his investigation into the entire bid process for 2018 and 2022 to find out what, if any, illegal shenanigans took place.
FIFA’s executive committee,
Nigerian federation cash crisis leaves it unable to move into new HQ
October 2 – Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary Musa Amadu (pictured) told lawmakers on Sunday that the federation has been unable to move into its new headquarters because of a cash crisis.
Benin elects Ahouanvoébla on platform of revival and promise of new era
By Mark Baber
October 2 – Augustin Ahouanvoébla has been elected President of the Benin Football Federation (FEBEFOOT) for a four-year tenure, as his ‘Revival of Football’ list (of candidates for office) beat Bruno Arthur Didavi’s ‘Renewal’ list narrowly by 23 votes to 21, with two votes declared invalid in the final round of the elective General Assembly held on Monday September 30 at the Palais des Congres in Cotonou.
Singapore enlists French help to develop next generation
By Mark Baber
October 2 – A wide-ranging Football Association of Singapore (FAS) – French Football Federation (FFF) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focusing on youth development was signed at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore yesterday. In hailing the new MOU, representatives focused on the successes of the French youth system which was demonstrated as the France Under-20 side won the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup title whilst the Under-19 side finished runners-up at the UEFA European Under-19 Championships.
Gazprom protestors drop in to halt CL group game
October 2 – UEFA seem certain to impose sanctions after activists protesting against Champions League sponsor Gazprom interrupted the Basel-Schalke group game Tuesday by abseiling from the stadium roof at St Jakob-Park, forcing a brief suspension.
Lee Wellings: Is ‘Open Season’ on Qatar fair?
In the three years since Qatar was awarded hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup I haven’t heard their Supreme Committee or anyone with power deny anyone the right to free speech, to question or to criticise the decision.
But what would be helpful is if the critics made sure they were accurate, well researched and fair.
Some chance.
It’s open season on the 2022 hosts, where many ‘commentators’