Reports that Rio will host Brazil 2014 quarterfinal match denied
By David Gold
September 1 – FIFA and Brazil 2014 have denied reports that Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã could stage a quarterfinal of the World Cup.
RFU accounts under investigation
By David Gold
September 1 – The Russian Audit Chamber has launched an investigation into the Russian Football Union (RFU) accounts.
Goal-line technology? Not in our back yard, declares adamant UEFA chief Platini
By Andrew Warshaw in Monaco
August 31 – UEFA President Michel Platini today reiterated that European football’s governing body would never embrace goal-line technology – and denounced FIFA boss Sepp Blatter for unilaterally supporting its implementation at the next World Cup.
UEFA confirms intention to clamp down on overspending clubs
By Andrew Warshaw in Monaco
August 31 – On the final day of the summer transfer window, President Michel Platini warned today that UEFA will not back down over plans to enforce sanctions against clubs who spend beyond their means.
German giant Dortmund declares record revenues for 2011-12 campaign
By David Gold
August 30 – German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund has announced record revenues of €215 million (£171 million/$270 million) for the 2011-12 season.
UEFA’s Infantino warns clubs not to overspend at Champions League draw in Monaco
By Andrew Warshaw in Monaco
August 31 – UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino used the high-profile draw for the Champions League group stage to stress to Europe’s top teams today that they must comply with strict new rules on overspending.
Sporting Kansas to keep Livestrong name on stadium
By David Gold
August 31 – Major League Soccer outfit Sporting Kansas City will continue to name their stadium after Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong Foundation, despite the cyclist’s decision not to fight doping allegations.
G4S withdraws from bidding for Brazil 2014 and Rio 2016 security contracts after London 2012 shambles
By Duncan Mackay at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London
August 30 – G4S has ruled out bidding for the security contracts at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics following the fiasco at London 2012, which it confirmed will cost the company £50 million ($78 million/€64 million).
FIFA corruption buster Eckert under the cosh from angry Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – Just weeks after announcing a revamped Ethics Committee aimed at combating corruption as part of his road map to reform, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has criticised one of the body’s two independent chiefs.
Malaysian police probe accusations of high-level embezzlement within AFC
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – Claims that a senior official in Asian football embezzled nearly $10 million (£6.3 million/€8 million) are being investigated in Malaysia, according to reports.
New coach Michel charged with guiding Kenya to maiden World Cup finals in 2014
By David Gold
August 30 – Henri Michel has been named as the new coach of the Kenyan national team, replacing Francis Kimanzi after the country failed to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Farrelly appointed as UEFA’s new communications chief
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – UEFA has appointed from within and chosen David Farrelly to become its new head of communications.
Eto’o quits international game after slamming “amateurish” Cameroon set-up
By David Gold
August 29 – Samuel Eto’o, arguably Africa’s greatest football export, has hit out at Cameroon’s “amateurism” and “bad management”, and insisted he will not return to play for the national team.
PAOK Salonika and Rapid Vienna hit with bans after crowd violence
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – PAOK Salonika of Greece and Austria’s Rapid Vienna have both been hit with one-season bans – suspended for three years – by UEFA following crowd violence before a Europa League playoff match.
Warner’s attempts at media acquisitions spark suspicion in Trinidad and Tobago
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who had an often fraught relationship with the international press during his controversial career at the top table of world football, is apparently negotiating buying two media outlets in his native Trinidad and Tobago.