French Sports Minister accuses Les Bleus of lack of decency
June 6 – France’s troubled build-up to the World Cup has suffered another blow after the country’s Sports Minister Rama Yade criticised the squad for staying at a luxury hotel.
England 2018 bid not affected by Triesman, claims FA vice-chairman
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 6 – England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup has rallied strongly quickly following the controversial resignation of chairman Lord Triesman, Barry Bright, the vice-chairman of the Football Association claimed today.
David Owen: England have more chance of winning 2018 World Cup than 2010
Which World Cup do England have the better chance of winning – 2010 or 2018?
For the bookies, the answer is clear.
A leading betting website on Saturday rated Fabio Capello’s men 8/1 fourth-favourites to triumph in South Africa, behind Spain (4/1), Brazil (9/2) and Argentina (13/2).
Prince William shows support to England World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 5 – Prince William is set to travel to South Africa later this month to help promote England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Arsenal star to lead Russia charm offensive in South Africa
By Andrew Warshaw
June 5 – The Russian 2018 World Cup bid team are taking Arsenal star Andrei Arshavin to South Africa next week in a bid to woo members of the FIFA Executive Committee.
Sydney tournament will boost World Cup bid hopes Buckley
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 4 – Australia hope that a post-World Cup mini-tournament next month featuring Blackburn Rovers, Glasgow Rangers, AEK Athens and Sydney FC will boost the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 tournament.
Coventry Ricoh Arena chosen to host football at 2012 Olympics
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Write of the Year
June 3 – Ricoh Arena, the home of Coventry City Football Club has been selected as the new Midlands venue to host Olympic football matches in 2012, it was announced today.
Exclusive: New London 2012 football venue to be announced
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By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 2 – A new venue in the Midlands to stage football matches during the London 2012 Olympics is due to be announced tomorrow.
Brad Pitt latest star name to join US World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 2 – The United States has added more star power to its bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, putting actor Brad Pitt (pictured) on the Committee trying to bring back football’s top event to the country for the first time since 1994.
Mihir Bose: Capello may be an Italian but he is our Italian
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Whatever happens to England in South Africa, and whether or not the hurt of 44 years is finally assuaged on July 11, there has been one revolution in England’s national game that is undeniable.
And profound.
Exclusive: US World Cup bid will benefit from Asian split predicts Gulati
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By Andrew Warshaw
June 1 – Sunil Gulati (pictured left), the man leading the United States’ bid to host the World Cup, believes that going up against four Asian contenders for 2022 will work in favour of his country – rather than against it.
David Owen: Euro victory for France but less encouraging signs for Platini
So Turkey narrowly failed in their efforts to upset France and win the right to host the 2016 European football championship.
Having come so close in Friday’s vote, I’m sure members of the Turkish bid team will need time to get over their disappointment.
But once they do, they can reflect that their efforts have secured an important legacy for Turkey: never again will a Turkish bid for any sports competition be taken lightly.
Bevington to take up Club England role immediately
May 31 – Adrian Bevington (pictured right) will take up his new role as Club England managing director with immediate effect, the Football Association have announced.
Pele backs Netherlands-Belgium World Cup bid
May 31 – Netherlands and Belgium’s joint bid to host the 2018 World Cup has been backed by Abedi Ayew Pele (pictured), one of Africa’s greatest ever footballers.
Milton Keynes stages international match in empty stadium
May 30 - Milton Keynes, which is bidding to be one of the host venues for the 2018 World Cup if England are awarded the tournament , tonight hosted its first-ever full international fixture but only 100 people turned up to see it.