FIFA’s publication of ISL file delayed
By David Owen
December 6 – Sepp Blatter (pictured) has suffered a new setback in his drive to reform world football’s governing body.
Anzhi stars Eto’o and Carlos hail Russian World Cup
By David Gold
December 6 – Anzhi Makhachkala stars Samuel Eto’o (pictured) and Roberto Carlos have stated their confidence in Russia’s ability to stage the World Cup in 2018.
Havelange is “man all Brazilians should be proud of” says head of Rio 2016
By Duncan Mackay
December 5 – Joao Havelange’s position as a “legend” and “icon” remains unaffected by his decision to resign from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to avoid corruption charges, the head of Rio 2016 claimed today.
David Owen: When all is said and done, Havelange was one of the towering figures of 20th century sport
The weekend reports claiming that João Havelange had resigned as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) brought to mind two images from recent IOC Sessions.
The first is from Copenhagen in 2009.
The Brazilian, who as FIFA President once shared with the late Juan Antonio Samaranch the billing of ‘Most Powerful Man in World Sport’, is inviting fellow members of the IOC club to Rio de Janeiro to celebrate his 100th birthday in 2016.
Bulgarian PM wants player of year award scrapped after scooping the prize
By David Gold
December 5 – After winning the Bulgarian player of the year award ahead of Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov (pictured) has called for the abolition of the prize.
Senegal, Gabon, Egypt and Morocco remain in battle for London 2012 spots
By David Gold
December 5 – Four African teams remain in the hunt for a place at the London 2012 Olympic Games football tournament, with Senegal facing Gabon and Egypt taking on hosts Morocco in the crucial semi-finals.
Messi tipped for third successive Ballon D’Or
By David Gold
December 5 – Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (pictured right) is in line for his third successive FIFA Ballon D’Or award after being confirmed on the final three-man shortlist alongside Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and team mate Xavi (left).
Qatar donates friendly proceeds to Somalia famine victims
By David Gold
December 5 – Qatar is donating $400,000 (£256,000/€300,000) generated in ticket proceeds from the recent friendly game between Brazil and Egypt in Doha, to the victims of famine in Somalia.
Court of Arbitration for Sport set date for Bin Hammam hearing
By Andrew Warshaw
December 5 – Beleaguered former Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam will have the first of his two appeal hearings on January 23 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
FIFA do not feel welcome in England, claims Valcke
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke (pictured) has fuelled further tension between the world governing body and English football by suggesting that they not always feel welcome in the country.
Havelange resigns from IOC after nearly half-a-century as member to avoid expulsion
By Duncan Mackay
December 4 – Joao Havelange, the former controversial President of FIFA, has resigned as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to avoid being expelled from the organisation he has served for nearly 50 years.
Blatter says England yet to come to terms with missing out on 2018 World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
December 4 – FIFA Pesident Sepp Blatter has re-opened his feud with English football by saying the country has still not come to terms with losing out on the 2018 World Cup.
Brazil’s 1982 World Cup captain Sócrates dies
By David Gold
December 4 – Sócrates, one of the world’s greatest midfielders and Brazil’s captain at the 1982 World Cup, has died in a São Paulo hospital at the age of 57, casting a shadow over the final weekend of the Brazilian Championship.
Ukraine came close to losing Euro 2012, admits head of FA
By Andrew Warshaw
December 3 – The head of the Ukrainian half of Euro 2012 has revealed for the first time how close the country came to being stripped of hosting rights with Poland.
Mihir Bose: As football becomes more of a business, moving jobs for money is no longer a sin
We may have reached an historic moment with modern, highly paid footballers. They may finally be ready to tell the truth when they move club. The truth is that what motivates them is not the glory of the club they are going to, nor its wonderful supporters, nor even the honours they might win, but how much money the new club will put in their bank account.
I have long believed that the refrain of modern footballers,