Brazil overturns alcohol ban with new World Cup law
By David Gold
December 7 – Brazil has drafted a new 2014 World Cup Law, which overturns a ban on alcohol being sold and consumed at sports venues.
World Cup
FBI probing World Cup votes for 2018 and 2022, it is claimed
By Andrew Warshaw
December 7 – The corruption allegations that swirled around the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups just over a year ago have been reignited by a suggestion that the FBI is now involved.
Anzhi stars Eto’o and Carlos hail Russian World Cup
By David Gold
December 6 – Anzhi Makhachkala stars Samuel Eto’o (pictured) and Roberto Carlos have stated their confidence in Russia’s ability to stage the World Cup in 2018.
Qatar donates friendly proceeds to Somalia famine victims
By David Gold
December 5 – Qatar is donating $400,000 (£256,000/€300,000) generated in ticket proceeds from the recent friendly game between Brazil and Egypt in Doha, to the victims of famine in Somalia.
FIFA do not feel welcome in England, claims Valcke
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke (pictured) has fuelled further tension between the world governing body and English football by suggesting that they not always feel welcome in the country.
Blatter says England yet to come to terms with missing out on 2018 World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
December 4 – FIFA Pesident Sepp Blatter has re-opened his feud with English football by saying the country has still not come to terms with losing out on the 2018 World Cup.
Platini would move European competitions to accommodate winter World Cup in 2022
By David Gold
December 2 – UEFA President Michel Platini has said that he would move the Champions League and Europa League to accommodate a winter World Cup being held in Qatar in 2022.
Valcke praises Russia’s 2018 World Cup progress
By David Gold
December 2 – A year after Russia was awarded the right to host the 2018 World Cup, FIFA general secretary Jérôme Valcke has praised the progress made by the country in the first year of its preparations to stage the event.
Ronaldo to be public face of Brazil 2014
By Duncan Mackay at the Sheraton San Conrado in Rio de Janeiro
December 1 – Ronaldo was officially unveiled here today as the new face of the Organising Committee of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Ronaldo to be confirmed today as head of Brazil 2014 World Cup
By Duncan Mackay in Rio de Janeiro
December 1 – Ronaldo, the highest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup, will be cofirmed as the the new face of the 2014 World Cup here later today, insideworldfootball can reveal.
Brazil will be ready for 2014 World Cup promises new Sports Minister
By Duncan Mackay at Soccerex in Rio de Janeiro
November 28 – Brazil will put on a “great World Cup”, the country’s new Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo promised as the annual Soccerex convention opened here today.
Lowy claims “last word has not been heard” on Qatar 2022 World Cup bid
By David Gold
November 28 – Frank Lowy, the chairman of the Australian Football Federation (FFA), has indicated that he believes that Qatar could yet lose the right to host the World Cup in 2022.
Ronaldo quashes 2014 World Cup Presidency rumours
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – Former Brazilian international Ronaldo has denied reports that he has been asked to replace controversial FIFA powerbroker Ricardo Teixeira as head of the country’s 2014 World Cup Organising Committee.
Russia agree deal with Transport Directorate for 2018 World Cup
By David Gold
November 24 – The Russian organising committee for the 2018 FIFA World Cup have signed an agreement with the Olympic Games Transport Directorate, who have worked on the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games and the Kazan 2013 Summer University Games, to develop transport links during the competition.
Qatar must treat workers for 2022 World Cup well, warn FIFA
By Andrew Warshaw
November 17 – Qatar must not exploit workers rights as it sets about a major construction programme for the 2022 World Cup, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) charged today.