Mali protest over “fixed” match in Angola
January 19 – The Mali Football Federation (FMF) has made an official protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the controversial Angola versus Algeria game.
Platini to decide whether to stay on as UEFA President before World Cup
January 19 – Michel Platini (pictured) has promised that he will make a decision about his future as UEFA President before this year’s World Cup in South Africa.
Gold and Sullivan complete West Ham United takeover
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January 19 – Former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan (pictured) have taken control of Premier League West Ham United after acquiring a 50 per cent stake in the London club for £105 million, they confirmed today.
Parreira and South African league at loggerheads over World Cup preparations
January 19 – A row has broken out in South Africa after Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira (pictured) refused a request from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for a week’s extension to the season because he fears it would jeopardise his team’s preparations for the World Cup.
South Africa simplify World Cup ticket procedures
January 18 – South Africans will be able to buy World Cup tickets over the counter, Danny Jordaan (pictured) promised today, following complaints that the existing sales system is too complicated for local fans.
Australian anger over Prince William support for England 2018 growing
By Duncan Mackay
January 18 – Prince William (pictured) has again been attacked for supporting England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup ahead of Australia’s, even though he is one day set to become the country’s head of state.
African Hall of Fame to be launched in Nigeria
January 18 – An hall of fame to celebrate the achievements of African footballers, such as Cameroon’s Roger Milla (pictured), is set to be launched in Nigeria later this year, it has been revealed.
Mihir Bose: English football should look to US model to stop this debt madness
Football and debt have never been strangers. All football clubs have had debts but, until the mid 1980s, not only was this debt fairly small but mostly a local matter.
Durban unveil plans for World Cup countdown celebration
January 17 – Durban is planning to hold a special 100 Days Celebration for the World Cup at its spectacular Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 2.
Beckham keen to take up MLS franchise offer
By Duncan Mackay
January 17 – David Beckham (pictured) seems set to take up the option of buying a franchise in the United States Major League Soccer (MLS), he has revealed.
David Owen: FIFA need to follow Olympics and set clear bidding guidelines
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First Africa, now Asia.
As our exclusive story last week revealed, some of football’s six continental confederations appear to be exploiting the race for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to try to drum up some extra windfall cash.
Miami will be great World Cup host promise Florida officials
January 16 – Tickets for Miami, a controversial choice to host matches if the United States bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, will sell out in 24 hours, a leading official there has predicted.
Lobbying firm that made Rudd donation worked for FFA
By Duncan Mackay
January 16 – The row between the football codes in Australia have taken another twist after it emerged that Hawker Britton, a lobbying group who gave donations to Kevin Rudd’s election campaign, were hired to work for the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Russia World Cup bid announce another sponsor
By Duncan Mackay
January 15 – Russia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup today announced it had signed up its second sponsor of the week when law firm Yust were unveiled.
Chicago were not snubbed by World Cup bid, they withdrew over money concerns
By Duncan Mackay
January 15 – Chicago withdrew its bid to stage World Cup matches if the United States campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup is successful because the city refused to underwrite a guarantee of $10 million (£6 million) following its doomed attempt to host the 2016 Olympics, it has emerged today.