Football legend to open Soccerex European Forum
February 16 – Legendary former Manchester United and Manchester City striker Denis Law will be opening the Soccerex European Forum in Manchester on March 30-31.
Exclusive: Olympic Park architect protests over West Ham Stadium decision
By Andrew Warshaw
February 15 – The architect who wrote the original masterplan for the London Olympics and Paralympics has written to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, urging him not to approve West Ham’s sole use of the Stratford venue after the 2012 Games.
Messi and double Olympic champions Argentina to miss London 2012
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
February 13 – Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer, will miss London 2012 after the two-time defending Olympic champions Argentina failed to qualify for the tournament.
Sports Minister expects Government backing for West Ham Olympic Stadium decision
By Andrew Warshaw
February 13 – West Ham United’s move to take over the Olympic Stadium following next year’s 2012 Games could be approved by the Government within the shortest of time frames judging by remarks made by Sports and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson, which will allow the club and vice-chair Karren Brady to begin their planning to leave their current ground.
West Ham must guarantee to keep running track warns Olympics Minister
By Andrew Warshaw in London
February 12 – West Ham United will have to guarantee to keep the running track at the Olympic Stadium for the long term after being confirmed as winners of the race to take over the venue after the London 2012 Games.
West Ham unconcerned by potential legal challenge from Tottenham over Olympic Stadium decision
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By Tom Degun in London
February 12 – West Ham and Newham Council have claimed they are unconcerned by a potential legal challenge after they were awarded the Olympic Stadium ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham chiefs admit delight at OPLC Olympic Stadium decision
By Tom Degun at the Olympic Stadium, London
February 11 – West Ham and Newham Council have revealed their delight after the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) today officially confirmed they had selected the duo’s bid ahead of that of Tottenham Hotspur and AEG as the preferred tenant for the Olympic Stadium in Stratford after the London 2012 Games.
West Ham won Olympic Stadium because it had “the more compelling” bid claim OPLC
By Andrew Warshaw in London
February 11 – After months of often bitter wrangling, West Ham United was officially confirmed today as the preferred bidder to take over the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games.
West Ham Olympic Stadium announcement “premature” claim angry Tottenham
By Andrew Warshaw in London
February 10 – Tottenham Hotspur today described as “premature” reports that they has lost out in the bid to take over the Olympic stadium after next year’s London Games.
Americans launch bid for $1 billion damages
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By Andrew Warshaw
February 10 – Former Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are seeking more than $1 billion (£622 million) in damages in the London courts for being forced to sell the club for £300 million ($482 million) to NESV, the owners of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
West Ham United set to win battle to take over Olympic Stadium
By Andrew Warshaw in London
February 9 – West Ham United have beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the bitter race to take over the 2012 Olympic stadium after next year’s London games, it was reported tonight.
Triesman attacks Premier League chairman at Parliamentary hearing
By Andrew Warshaw
February 8 – Former Football Association chairman Lord Triesman today hit back at his former employers saying the way the game is run in England is completely unsatisfactory.
Europe’s top clubs warn FIFA over match schedule
By Andrew Warshaw in Geneva
February 8 – Europe’s leading clubs today warned FIFA to stop dictating to them – or face the consequences.
Torres is “overpriced” claim Barcelona
By Andrew Warshaw in Geneva
February 8 – Chelsea’s £50 million ($80 million) fee for Fernando Torres left European champions Barcelona “shocked”, with one club director today describing the Spaniard’s move from Liverpool as “overpriced”.
Europe’s top clubs in new threat to London 2012 football tournament
By Andrew Warshaw
February 8 – There is a new row over the 2012 Olympic football tournament, with Europe’s top clubs warning their players should not be forced to compete in more than one major event per season, which could affect the participation of players like Wayne Rooney.