Manchester United debts pass £700 million mark
January 20 - Manchester United’s parent company’s overall debt has swelled to £716.5m, their latest accounts reveal.
West Ham move into Olympic Stadium plan backed
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By Duncan Mackay
January 20 – West Ham United’s bid to move into the Olympic Stadium after London has staged the 2012 Games has today received the backing of Sir Robin Wales, the Mayor of Newham, one of the five Olympic Host Boroughs.
Beckenbauer claims German fans put off World Cup by security fears and prices
By Duncan Mackay
January 20 – Security fears and the high cost of travel is putting German fans off travelling to support their team at the World Cup in South Africa later this year, Franz Beckenbauer has claimed.
Fowler and other A-League players to show support for Australia World Cup bid
By Duncan Mackay
January 20 – Players in the Hyundai A-League, including former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler (pictured), and clubs will show their support for Australia’s bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022 this weekend in the first of two “Come Play!” days this year.
FA launch new plans for £100 million National Football Centre
January 19 – Plans for a permanent £100 million training base for the England team – renamed St George’s Park – were unveiled by the Football Association today.
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.