Russian football so bad, I have been nominated for RFU President, says Mutko
By David Gold
July 21 – Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has emerged as a contender for the vacant post of President of the Russian Football Union (RFU).
Miracle Man Muamba to carry Olympic Torch
By Andrew Warshaw at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London
July 21 – Fabrice Muamba, the Premier League footballer who almost died after suffering a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup tie late last season, is set to carry the Olympic Torch today.
Team GB find out how much work to do after Brazil lesson
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – One hundred years after winning an Olympic football gold medal in an era that was strictly amateur, Team GB were given a stern footballing lesson by Brazil tonight in their final warm-up game before the start of London 2012.
Warner “relieved and comforted” by CAS Bin Hammam verdict
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Jack Warner, the former FIFA vice-president who resigned over last year’s cash-for-votes affair, says he feels “relieved and comforted” after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) annulled the lifetime ban on his alleged partner in crime, Mohamed Bin Hammam.
Neville backs Pearce’s decision to leave Beckham out of Team GB squad
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, now a member of the England senior team backroom staff, has backed the controversial decision to leave his one-time teammate David Beckham out of the London 2012 squad.
I’ll quit football once I’ve cleared my name, claims Bin Hammam
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Mohamed Bin Hammam claims he will quit football once he has completely cleared his name after having his lifetime ban for alleged bribery surprisingly overturned.
Capello set to be confirmed as Russia coach
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Former England manager Fabio Capello has agreed to become Russia’s new coach, the Russian Football Union (RFU) has confirmed, with local media suggesting the Italian could earn a staggering R392 million (£8 million/$12 million/€10 million) a year.
Chelsea and Gazprom agree three season sponsorship deal
By David Gold
July 20 – Chelsea have inked a new sponsorship deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom which will see them supply gas and electricity to the club for the next three seasons.
CSKA Moscow land sponsorship deal with Aeroflot
By David Gold
July 20 – Russian Premier League outfit CSKA Moscow have agreed a R288 million (£5.7million/$9million/€7.3million) sponsorship deal with Aeroflot.
French Government scrutinise Ibrahimović’s “astronomic” PSG wages
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – The French Government has questioned the wages being paid to Zlatan Ibrahimović following the Swedish striker’s high-profile move from AC Milan to big-spending Paris Saint Germain (PSG) for a reported €20 million (£16 million/$25 million).
CAS overturns Bin Hammam’s FIFA life ban
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Former Asian football supremo Mohamed Bin Hammam had his lifetime ban by FIFA sensationally annulled today when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), sport’s highest legal channel, upheld his appeal by ruling there was insufficient evidence against him.
“I have a dream,” declares Hearn as he renews Olympic Stadium sharing mission
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has renewed his call for sharing the Olympic Stadium with West Ham United once London 2012 is over.
FIFA delay is “positive”, claims Kosovan football boss
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Kosovan football authorities have reacted with cautious optimism to FIFA’s decision to postpone a decision on whether the Balkan province can play international friendlies.
Qatar loses appeal against point stripped during Olympic qualifier
By David Gold
July 18 – The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has lost an appeal against the decision to strip them of a point won in an Olympic men’s football qualifier against Oman.
Kewell named as Australia’s greatest ever player
By David Gold
July 18 – Australian forward Harry Kewell has been named the country’s greatest ever footballer at an event in Sydney.