Platini makes veiled attack on critics in New Year’s message
By Andrew Warshaw
December 28 – UEFA President Michel Platini has made a veiled attack on his critics in a mixed New Year message to European football’s various stakeholders.
Serie A games targeted by illegal betting rings, claims former defender
By David Gold
December 28 – Three Serie A games were targeted by a betting ring which sought to manipulate the results of football matches according to former Piacenza defender Carlo Gervasoni (pictured).
European giants set to travel to Doha for inaugural Al Kass International Cup
By David Gold
December 28 – The youth teams of some of the world’s top teams, including European champions Barcelona, Juventus and Paris St Germain will be travelling to Doha next week for the first edition of the under 17s Al-Kass International Cup.
Michael O’Neill appointed Northern Ireland manager
By David Gold
December 28 – Michael O’Neill has been confirmed as the new Northern Ireland manager following his heroics with Shamrock Rovers this season.
FIFA ordered to release ISL papers
By Andrew Warshaw
December 28 – FIFA has been ordered by a Swiss court to release documents that could pave the way to finally naming high-ranking officials who allegedly took millions of dollars in kickbacks from World Cup broadcast deals.
Barcelona’s Sandro Rossell asks UEFA for agents’ fee reforms
By David Gold
December 28 – Barcelona President Sandro Rosell wants UEFA to reform agents’ fees and says that players should themselves cover such costs.
Exclusive: Footballers help FIFA gather match-fixing evidence
By Andrew Warshaw
December 28 – Professional footballers from across the world have started coming forward to give evidence of match-fixing as part of a new information-gathering crackdown instigated by the FIFA head of security, Chris Eaton.
Olympique Lyonnais want Stade des Lumières to host Euro 2016 opener
By David Gold
December 27 – Olympique Lyonnais President, Jean-Michel Aulas, wants the club’s new stadium to host the opening game of the 2016 European Championships in France.
Football League announces Prostate Cancer Charity partnership
By David Gold
December27 – The Football League has announced The Prostate Cancer Charity as its official charity partner for 2012-2013.
Romario and Ronaldo announce disabled tickets at 2014 World Cup
By David Gold
December 27 – More than 30,000 tickets to the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be given to disabled fans, the legendary former Brazil forwards Romário and Ronaldo have announced.
Gabon completes 2012 African Cup of Nations stadia
By David Gold
December 27 – Gabon has completed construction of two new stadiums in Libreville and Franceville for the 2012 African Cup of Nations, which gets underway on January 21, a Gabonese member of the Organising Committee told insideworldfootball.
FIFA launch tender process for 2018 and 2022 World Cups
By David Gold
December 27 – The tender process for media rights in most European countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, being held in Russia and Qatar respectively, has been started by FIFA.
Warner renews Blatter hostilities
By David Gold
December 26 – Former CONCACAF chief Jack Warner has launched a new attack on Sepp Blatter, in which he accuses the FIFA President of “megalomania, covert racism and discrimination”.
World Cup winner wants Qatar 2022 switched to winter
By David Gold
December 26 – Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro says that the 2022 World Cup, being held by Qatar, should be held in the winter because of the intense heat.
African Nations Cup preparations disrupted for Senegal and Equatorial Guinea
By David Gold
December 26 – Ahead of next month’s African Nations Cup, Group A rivals Senegal and Equatorial Guinea, who co-host the tournament with Gabon, are in turmoil due to political disputes over their national coaches.