Russia beginning to pick-up pace of World Cup bid

By Andrew Warsahw

July 29 – Russia has hauled in its big-hitters, including Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, to take part in a high-profile sports forum a fortnight before becoming the first European candidate for the 2018 World Cup to be scrutinised by FIFA’s six-man inspection team.

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Mihir Bose: We wondered about South Africa but now it is FIFA we doubt

The South African World Cup has proved supremely ironic. We went to South Africa wondering if the country could host the event. We have come away knowing South African can, but we are now not sure if FIFA can manage a World Cup in the modern era of technology.

Our FIFA doubts have to do with its failure to appreciate that it cannot continue to rely on the naked eye to judge all on field events.

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Australia 2022 cleared of breaking rules by FIFA

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 22 – Australian officials behind the country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup, including Frank Lowy (pictured), have been cleared by FIFA of breaking the rules by giving unauthorised gifts to voters, it was announced today.

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