Fresh FIFA concern over Brazil’s World Cup infrastructure
By David Gold
June 1 – FIFA has expressed fresh concerns over Brazil’s progress in developing its infrastructure sufficiently in time for the 2014 World Cup.
Argentina put the boot in as England left humiliated by FIFA again
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
June 1 – England’s gamble to try to get FIFA Presidential election called off today failed as expected even though 16 other countries supported the move.
World Cup to be chosen by 208 countries announces Captain Blatter
By Duncan Mackay in Zurich
June 1 – Sepp Blatter today announced that FIFA’s 208 member federations will select the host country of the 2026 World Cup rather than the ruling Executive Committee.
Exclusive: Bin Hammam leaves Zurich after legal appeal fails
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
June 1 – Mohamed Bin Hammam, the one-time challenger to Sepp Blatter for the FIFA Presidency before being charged with alleged serious bribery, flew out of here today a few hours before his rival was about to be appointed for a fourth and final term.
Germany want investigation into Qatar 2022 bid campaign
By Duncan Mackay in Zurich
June 1 – Germany has called for the circumstances that led to Qatar being awarded the 2022 World Cup to be investigated as the controversy surrounding the decision to award the tournament to the tiny Gulf state refuses to subside.
Jack Warner ally tries to fire FIFA whistleblower
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 31 – Chuck Blazer, the prominent FIFA official who blew the whistle on the biggest bribery scandal in its history, faced a battle to keep his position as general secretary of the CONCACAF Confederation tonight as the crisis at the heart of the world governing body took a farcical turn.
“We are taking this stand on matter of principle” claims head of FA
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 31 – English Football Association chairman David Bernstein has claimed he wants his organisation to play a significant role in reforming FIFA having decided to abstain in tomorrow’s Presidential vote.
FIFA lifts Bosnia’s international suspension
By David Gold
May 31 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has taken a break from defending world football’s governing body from public criticism and bribery allegations to confirm that Bosnia has had a suspension preventing it from competing in international football lifted.
Rogge predicts FIFA will emerge stronger if they follow IOC lead
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 31 – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge has claimed here today that under-fire FIFA will emerge from their current crisis if they copy the way the IOC reformed itself more than ten years ago.
Warner reported to FIFA again by Blazer over allegations he has violated ban
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 31 – Veteran FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has been reported for allegedly violating the terms of his ban from all football-related activities.
“Secret deal” being negotiated for Blatter to step down in 2013
By Duncan Mackay in Zurich
May 31 – Secret negotiations are taking place for Sepp Blatter to step down as President of FIFA in 2013 rather than serve the full four-year term he would be due if he is elected here tomorrow, it has been claimed.
France confirms venues for 2016 European Championships
By David Gold
May 31 – St. Etienne and Toulouse missed out as the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the nine cities to host games during the 2016 European Championships, which will include new stadiums in Lille and Lyon.
Exclusive: Bin Hammam orders Asian countries not to boycott FIFA Congress
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 31 – Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has ordered his members not to walk out of tomorrow’s eagerly awaited FIFA Congress as he and veteran FIFA powerbroker Jack Warner stepped up their legal fight against being suspended for allegedly paying thousands of dollars in bribes to Caribbean nations.
Exclusive: FA call for FIFA election postponement not supported by Platini
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 31 – UEFA President Michael Platini today refused to back calls by the English Football Association to call off tomorrow’s FIFA election and said he doubted there would be enough support to do so.
CONCACAF’s football qualifying tournament for London 2012 confirmed for Vancouver next January
By David Gold
May 31 – CONCACAF has confirmed that the women’s football qualifying tournament for the London 2012 Olympic Games will take place at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver from January 19 until 29 next year.