Ajax extend academy philosophy to Russia
By Mark Baber
December 28 – Ajax will be holding six training camps for Russian boys aged 9-16 in Istra 50km west of Moscow this summer.
Gold Cup 2025
Passion meets pragmatism in Austin as Panama secure QF spot
Guatemala 0-1 Panama:
June 20 – Friday night at Q2 Stadium bore no resemblance to the venue that hosted football just 24 hours earlier. The transformation was complete, and the catalyst was simple: unbridled passion provided by the hordes of Guatemala supporters who descended on Austin. Stark contrast to the lack of interest shown by US fans on Thursday.
Ukraine opt for home-grown manager for national team
By Andrew Warshaw
December 28 – Ukraine have overlooked former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and opted for one of their own as national team successor to Oleg Blokhin who resigned in late September.
Kanu joins interim Nigerian Premier League management team
By Mark Baber
December 27 – The Nigerian Premier League (NPL) has a new 13-man interim Management Committee inaugurated today. The new body will run the affairs of the NPL, pending the election of a new board, and includes football legend Nwankwo Kanu (pictured).
Newcastle refuse Ameobi release to Nigeria for Cup of Nations
By Mark Baber
December 27 – The simmering row over the release of players by clubs to play for their country has been sparked again by Nigeria’s call for Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi being refused by the club.
FIFA’s Valcke give Brazilian 2014 organisers year-end vote of confidence
By Andrew Warshaw
December 27 – FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke (pictured) says 2012 has been “a demanding and challenging year” for football’s world governing body but is clearly relieved that Brazil is beginning to meet its 2014 World Cup targets.
Delroy Alexander: Zero tolerance of racist traditions
By Delroy Alexander
On first hearing the “Selection Manifesto 12” from a powerful Zenit St. Petersburg fans group, Landscrona, I like many was quick to dismiss it as an idiots’ intent on promoting some obscure and objectionable views.
However, the demand for the sacking and non-recruitment of black players and exclusion of gays is part of a serious selection policy proposal, intended to influence and set the agenda at a club with a less than stellar record on integration.
Platini says 2012 has been an excellent year for UEFA in challenging circumstances
By Andrew Warshaw
December 27 – UEFA president Michel Platini (pictured) admits 2012 has thrown up considerable challenges for his organisation but insists he will continue to meet them head on to make sure he sets the correct standards for the game.
Luzhniki Stadium will not be demolished, promises Moscow Mayor
By Duncan Mackay
December 26 – Controversial plans to demolish Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium and rebuild it in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup have been scrapped in favour of renovating it, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has revealed.
UEFA to appeal own disciplinary body over soft Serb sanctions
By Andrew Warshaw
December 24 – In a highly unusual move, UEFA have decided to appeal against the sanctions of its own control and disciplinary body imposed on Serbia following the explosive Euro 2013 under-21 play-off match against England in October.
Robertson slams football’s record on racism
By Andrew Warshaw
December 24 – British Sports minister Hugh Robertson (pictured) says football must get a firmer grip on the worrying recurrences of racism – whether on the pitch or in the stands.
New Leeds owners promise to build not buy
By Andrew Warshaw
December 24 – The new Middle Eastern owners of iconic English club Leeds United have promised not to spend recklessly as they attempt to restore past glories.
Pallotta: He came, he saw, he promised Roma a new stadium
By Mark Baber
December 24 – American entrepreneur Jim Pallotta, (pictured) who became president of AS Roma on August 27, attended his club’s 4-2 conquest of AC Milan on Saturday. After the game he reinforced his commitment towards building a new stadium.
Football Federation Australia and Adelaide United ban racist fan
December 24 – An unnamed man who racially abused Paul Ifill (pictured), the former Barbados striker, has been banned by Football Federation Australia (FFA) from A-league matches for two years.
UAE loses Asian Champions League automatic qualification place
By Mark Baber
December 24 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has re-worked the qualification requirements for the 2013 Asian Champions League Group Stage resulting in the UAE losing a spot as Saudi Arabia and Iran each gain one.
Kiwi Triathlon chief to head 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup
By Duncan Mackay
December 23 – Dave Beeche (pictured), who organised the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final in Auckland earlier this year, has been named chief executive for the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which New Zealand is staging.