Libyan football has a long way to go to find stability
By Mark Baber
February 26 – Two years after the start of the Libyan revolution, football faces a major struggle to return to normality in Libya.
FIFA extends Chinese bans worldwide
February 26 – FIFA has issued another stern signal that match-fixing will be harshly punished by extending worldwide the February 18 bans on 58 players and officials handed out by the Chinese Football Association.
Makudi entry to AFC presidential race raises temperatures
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
February 26 – The race to replace Mohamed bin Hammam to run the game in Asia and become one of the most powerful figures in world football has taken a remarkable new twist with the announcement that Worawi Makudi of Thailand has thrown his hat into the ring.
Cairos is third bidder to join goal line tech race
By Andrew Warshaw
February 26 – One of the first companies to offer a system for goal line technology is back in the fray after being granted a license by FIFA – and has joined the race to be selected for next year’s World Cup.
ESPN licks its wounds and exits UK with BT Vision sale
By Paul Nicholson
February 26 – US broadcaster ESPN’s long awaited arrival into the UK television market was launched on the back of Premier League football rights. Its exit from the market, confirmed yesterday, comes following the loss of those same Premier League rights – such is the make-or-break power of the English league in the pay TV market.
[b]Osasu Obayiuwana:[/b] What makes a champion?
“Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. BUT THE WILL MUST BE STRONGER THAN THE SKILL” – Muhammad Ali.
African football, with its wealth and depth of talent, undoubtedly has the skill to conquer the game’s steep summit – the World Cup –
Inside Insight: As straight as an Arabian dagger…the race for the AFC presidency
The Asian Football Confederation, AFC, is trying one more time to get its house in order. After a dismal era under an omni(im)potent Peter Velappan (a GenSec who played president for far too long), a man with an often particular management style took over the helm: Mohamed bin Hammam was in charge, and in ways that widened many a nostril. What he created, at times against crude opposition, is a more functioning and more modern organisation in terms of competitions,
FIFA put Kosovo on the agenda for March meet
By Andrew Warshaw
February 25 – Kosovo’s campaign to be given improved status in world football has been added to the agenda at next month’s FIFA executive committee meeting, according to leading officials of the breakaway Balkan state.
Corinthians protest flare death bans
By Mark Baber
February 25 – Corinthians are appealing the penalties imposed by CONMEBOL on the club after the tragic death of 14-year-old Bolivian fan Kevin Beltran Espada, who was struck by a flare allegedly thrown by travelling Corinthians supporters.
Elliott text forces his resignation
By Andrew Warshaw
February 25 – Paul Elliott, one of European football’s most visible and vocal anti-racism campaigners, has been forced to resign after a discriminatory text message he sent to a former business colleague was made public.
Qatar builds on its building reputation
February 25 – Qatar is further opening its construction doors to the world and hosting the World Stadium Congress 2013 in Doha, 2-5 June.
CONCACAF pledge May Congress support for FIFA’s reform package
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
February 25 – FIFA’s much trumpeted reform proposals, due to be approved at its Congress in May, have received a timely boost after being backed by CONCACAF which represents football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Fan voices increase over freedom of movement row
By Andrew Warshaw
February 25 – A landmark fan protest over what have been described as draconian ticket and travel restrictions is being stepped up amid a legal storm and a promise by police chiefs to discuss the issue further.
CONCACAF wait for FIFA approval for Copa Centenario
By Mark Baber
February 22 – The Copa Centenario, the proposed CONCACAF/CONMEBOL celebration tournament for the 100th birthday of South America’s confederation, is awaiting FIFA’s approval, but already plans are being put in place.