Durban unveil plans for World Cup countdown celebration
January 17 – Durban is planning to hold a special 100 Days Celebration for the World Cup at its spectacular Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 2.
Beckham keen to take up MLS franchise offer
By Duncan Mackay
January 17 – David Beckham (pictured) seems set to take up the option of buying a franchise in the United States Major League Soccer (MLS), he has revealed.
David Owen: FIFA need to follow Olympics and set clear bidding guidelines
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First Africa, now Asia.
As our exclusive story last week revealed, some of football’s six continental confederations appear to be exploiting the race for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to try to drum up some extra windfall cash.
Miami will be great World Cup host promise Florida officials
January 16 – Tickets for Miami, a controversial choice to host matches if the United States bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, will sell out in 24 hours, a leading official there has predicted.
Lobbying firm that made Rudd donation worked for FFA
By Duncan Mackay
January 16 – The row between the football codes in Australia have taken another twist after it emerged that Hawker Britton, a lobbying group who gave donations to Kevin Rudd’s election campaign, were hired to work for the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Russia World Cup bid announce another sponsor
By Duncan Mackay
January 15 – Russia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup today announced it had signed up its second sponsor of the week when law firm Yust were unveiled.
Chicago were not snubbed by World Cup bid, they withdrew over money concerns
By Duncan Mackay
January 15 – Chicago withdrew its bid to stage World Cup matches if the United States campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup is successful because the city refused to underwrite a guarantee of $10 million (£6 million) following its doomed attempt to host the 2016 Olympics, it has emerged today.
Exclusive: Champagne forced out of FIFA
By Andrew Warshaw
January 15 – Jerome Champagne (pictured), one of the most powerful administrators in world football, has been forced out of office at FIFA after allegedly meddling in the affairs of national associations.
Asian World Cup rivals agree to work together
January 15 – World Cup rivals Australia and Indonesia have signed an agreement to commit to closer football ties, a series of exchange programmes and more internationals between the two countries, it has been announced.
FA communications chief to move to new role after World Cup
January 14 – Adrian Bevington (pictured), the Football Association’s long-serving communications chief, is to move to a new role after the World Cup.
Exclusive: Asia sparks new World Cup bidding row
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By David Owen
January 12 – The hard-fought contest to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups is turning into a goldmine for world football confederations.
Exclusive: Asia sparks new World Cup bidding war
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By David Owen
January 12 – The hard-fought contest to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups is turning into a goldmine for world football confederations. Read more …
Indonesia World Cup bid faces new problems
By Duncan Mackay
January 13 – Indonesia’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup is facing another set-back after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warned the Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) that they could face disciplinary action following several incidents, including a one-man pitch invasion, during the 2011 Asian Cup pre-qualifying in Jakarta last week.
Sir Alex Ferguson backs Qatar 2022 World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 13 – Qatar’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup has received its most high-profile endorsement so far after Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (pictured) said that he believes that they could host the tournament.
Australia will travel to Angola for CAF Congress, Buckley promises
By Duncan Mackay
January 13 – Australia will attend the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Congress in Luanda to promote its bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, even though they are upset about being unable to give a presentation after rivals Qatar stepped in to sponsor the event.