African plants could be giving players anabolic steroid boost claims FIFA
February 21 – FIFA claimed today that they are concerned about players using undetectable stimulants derived from traditional African medicines that are not banned.
Qatar unveil Guardiola as 2022 World Cup ambassador
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By Andrew Warshaw in Barcelona
February 18 – Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola today became the latest big name to be unveiled as ambassador for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
Dein given key role by England 2018
By Andrew Warshaw
February 18 – Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein (pictured) has been appointed international President of England’s 2018 World Cup bid campaign team, it has been announced.
Togo lose appeal to be allowed in African Nations Cup draw
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February 18 – Togo’s appeal for provisional measures to be taken to ensure their place in the preliminary draw for the 2012 African Nations Cup have been dismissed, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have announced.
The Premier League considers proposal to introduce a play-off for the fourth Champions League spot
By Andrew Warshaw
February 16 – The Premier League is considering a unique proposal to introduce a play-off for the fourth Champions League spot.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter denounce critics of South Africa hosting the World Cup
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By Andrew Warshaw
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has once again gone on the attack to denounce critics of South Africa hosting the World Cup.
Chung makes a half-million donation to Haiti
By David Owen
February 16 – Dr Chung Mong-Joon (pictured), a South Korean member of FIFA’s ruling Executive Committee and honorary President of his country’s football association, has made a $500,000 (£318,000) donation to Haiti.
Mihir Bose: Football has been allowed to get away with a very peculiar system when it comes to paying its debts
There is a story going round the many lawyers, accountants and other professionals who advise football clubs. The story goes as follows. Some years ago, when Leicester City were in financial trouble and being hounded by the Revenue for non payment of taxes, Keith Vaz, the local MP, rang Gordon Brown then Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Indonesia 2022 World Cup bid on life-support machine
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By Andrew Warshaw
February 9 – Indonesia’s flagging campaign to stage the 2022 World Cup was hanging by a thread today after it emerged that the Government was still stalling over contributing vital support.
Mihir Bose: Manchester United success can never hide ownership frustrations
History is not always a good precedent for judging the present. But, in the case of Manchester United, history of its ownership and the fans reaction to different owners, tell us a great deal of why the club is once again in turmoil.
Gullit to lead Holland and Belgium World Cup bid
By Andrew Warshaw
February 9 - Holland and Belgium’s joint bid to stage the 2018 World Cup was given fresh heavyweight impetus today when Ruud Gullit (pictured) was named as bid President.
Ireland miss out on chance for French revenge in Euro 2012
By Andrew Warshaw in Warsaw
February 7 – Ireland never got their dream revenge tie against France to make amends for Thierry Henry’s cheating handball.
Gulati re-elected as USSF President
February 6 – Sunil Gulati (pictured) has been unanimously re-elected to a second four-year term as president of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Poland, Ukraine and Capello try to focus on Euro 2012
By Andrew Warshaw in Warsaw
February 6 – In one sense, tomorrow’s draw for the Euro 2012 qualifying competition starting in September is a case of before the Lord Mayor’s show.
Angry fans protest in Togo over cup ban
February 6 – Thousands of people took to the streets of Lome today to protest against their national football team being banned from the next two editions of the African Cup of Nations.