FIFA confirms World Cup draw dates and times
March 20 – FIFA has confirmed the date for the draw for the 2014 World Cup finals as December 6 this year.
Gold Cup 2025
Houston we don’t have a problem. Gold Cup delivers a Central American football feast
Honduras 2 – El Salvador 0
June 21 – A piece of Central America proudly and unashamedly parked itself in Space City tonight. The Shell Energy Stadium in Houston has frequently staged Gold Cup nights of passion and community. This Saturday is was extra special.
Katidis’ Nazi salute earns club ban and a vehement backlash from AEK fans
By Mark Baber
March 20 – Giorgos Katidis the 20-year old AEK player who made a Nazi salute to fans after scoring on Saturday has now been suspended by his club until the end of the season.
Blatter reassures on Brazil readiness as ExCo gathers for crucial meetings
By Andrew Warshaw
March 20 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has again issued a firm assurance that Brazil will be ready to host the 2014 World Cup. On the eve of one of FIFA’s most far-reaching executive committee meetings, Blatter met Brazil’s sports minister and FIFA’s World Cup organizing committee on Tuesday.
FIFA social campaign films nominated for IVCA awards
March 20 – Two FIFA films have been shortlisted for the International Visual Communications Associations Awards (IVCA). The 2013 IVCA awards ceremony take place on March 22 in London.
Al Medlej hints at pulling out of AFC race in favour of Al Serkal
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent, in Doha
March 20 – One of the candidates bidding to become president of the Asian Football Confederation has said for the first time that he might pull out of the race.
Match-fixing guru warns of ‘easy target’ player recruitment
By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent, in Doha
March 19 – Chris Eaton (pictured), one of the world’s leading experts on match-fixing, has warned that the recent investigation into possible rigging at lower-league English level could be the start of something far more sinister.
Anti-inflammatories are a bigger problem than doping in football
By Mark Baber
March 19 – Michel D’Hooghe, chairman of FIFA’s medical committee and President of the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre, has said that the abuse of anti-inflammatory medicine by football players is a bigger problem facing the sport than doping.
Blatter says elections need competition, but stability is important too
Exclusive: by Osasu Obayiuwana
March 19 – In what can be regarded as a tacit admission that elections into leading football positions lack robust contests, which do little for public confidence, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confessed that the prevailing situation is far from ideal.
Boateng heads to Zurich for meeting with Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
March 19 – Almost three months after making worldwide headlines by walking off the pitch in protest at racism, AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng will meet with FIFA president Sepp Blatter this week to discuss the best ways to fight discrimination and abuse.
The AFC minefield turns toxic
Sadly, the AFC presidential and FIFA Executive Committee elections in Asia promise to deliver another battle-field of smear and grime. Some of the protagonists are set to disappear into their self-made trenches of libel and slander, while one (or two) others are quietly watching from the side-lines at present, but ready to hit the unsuspecting contenders at the opportune moment.
Sri Lankan Vernon Manilal Fernando has been eliminated from proceedings. Temporarily, they say.
Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello, out the game
By Mark Baber
March 19 – John Riccitiello is resigning as CEO of Electronic Arts after six years in the job, taking responsibility for what are expected to be disappointing quarterly results, despite record breaking numbers for its FIFA games.
UEFA charge Inter Milan over Europe League monkey chants
March 19 – As anticipated, UEFA has charged Inter Milan over the racist behaviour of their fans during the recent Europa League game at home to Tottenham Hotspur last week.
Hull City take stand over criminalisation of fans and organise game day protest
By Mark Baber
March 19 – Hull City has expressed frustration with the police and solidarity with its fans in advance of its away game against Huddersfield Town.
Education is key and sport is part of it, says UN’s Lemke
By Andrew Warshaw in Doha
March 19 – The Greek footballer who made a Nazi gesture after scoring a goal at the weekend has come under fresh condemnation – this time from a leading United Nations adviser.
Thaljieh makes a passionate plea for Palestinian equality
By Andrew Warshaw in Doha
March 19 – Speaking at the Securing Sport 2013 conference in Doha, Palestine’s leading women’s football pioneer has added her name to those who believe UEFA were fundamentally wrong to award this summer’s European under-21 championship to Israel.