Platini still has doubts over Qatar 2022

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By Andrew Warshaw

September 22 – UEFA President Michel Platini has repeated his concern about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being staged at the usual time in mid-summer because of the searing heat and humidity of the Gulf region.

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Hayatou dumped as head of London 2012 football

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By Andrew Warshaw

September 21 – In an unprecedented and embarrassing U-turn, FIFA tonight backtracked over the appointment of controversial African football powerbroker Issa Hayatou to spearhead the London 2012 football tournament at a time when he is under investigation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for alleged corruption.

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CAF strikes new centralised World Cup deal with Italian firm

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By David Gold

September 20 – Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Issa Hayatou has signed a contract with Italian company B4, who are closely associated with French organisations Lagardère Sport and Sportfive, for the sale of centralised television and marketing rights to the African World Cup qualifiers.

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QPR sign major shirt deal with Asian airline giants

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By Emily Goddard

September 19 – Queens Park Rangers has announced a multi-million pound shirt sponsorship deal with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia – whose owner, Tony Fernandes, also completed a takeover of the English Premier League newcomers last month, that now sees him working alongside the Mittal family, who have retained their 33 per cent stake.

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