FIFA says Bolivia’s World Cup Qualifying points deduction is still in place
November 4 – FIFA have denied a claim by the Bolivian football federation (FBF) that sanctions imposed for fielding an ineligible player have been lifted.
World Cup
Bolivia points sanctions lifts Chile level with Argentina in 2018 qualifiers
November 2 – South America’s regional World Cup qualifying competition has taken a significant twist with Bolivia ordered by FIFA to forfeit two matches for fielding an ineligible player, a ruling that improves Chile’s chances but harms Argentina’s.
Qatar blindsided by FIFA decision to take central control of World Cup planning
By Andrew Warshaw
October 24 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers were taken completely by surprise over FIFA’s decision to scrap local organising committees for its flagship event. Earlier this month, as part of its grandiose roadmap for the future, FIFA announced that after Russia the World Cup would be organised centrally as part of its plan take “full control of all money flows”.
Mutko may drop RFU presidency after taking deputy PM job
October 21 – Newly appointed Russian deputy prime minister Vitaly Mutko, promoted from sports minister, says he may stand down as president of the Russian Football Union (RFU).
Russia 2018 (it’s still coming) names Simonyan as World Cup ambassador
October 13 – At last news from Russia that isn’t about doping, racist incidents or national team players going wild in Monaco nightclubs. Russia 2018 organiser have named Nikita Simonyan as a World Cup ambassador.
Russian fears at it slips on another racist banana skin in Rostov
By Andrew Warshaw
September 30 – In a clear message to FIFA that racism is still prevalent despite the scrapping of its anti-discrimination body, Russian club FC Rostov are likely to face a UEFA disciplinary sanction after a banana was thrown on to the field during their Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven.
Mutko re-elected to lead RFU and revive them from their ‘coma’
By Andrew Warshaw
September 26 – Russia’s Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko, who became embroiled in the recent Olympic doping scandal, has been re-elected president of the Russian Football Union (RFU), crushing his only rival for the position to remain the country’s most powerful sporting official.
Lemke: Without Qatar 2022 migrant worker issues would not have been raised
By Andrew Warshaw
September 16 – The United Nations’ top sports expert believes the controversial treatment of migrant workers in Qatar may never have been highlighted globally had the 2022 World Cup not been handed to the Gulf state but still questions whether the tournament should be staged there.
Russians promise delivery of centrepiece St Petersburg stadium by year end
September 12 – The seemingly never-ending saga surrounding of the build of the Krestovsky football stadium, also known as the Zenit Arena, in St Petersburg, may at last be coming to a conclusion with Russia having given guarantees to FIFA that the stadium will be completed by the end of this year.
Russia hope Cherchesov will inject winning ways in time for 2018 showcase
August 12 – Russia’s search for a winning national coach to prepare the team for the 2018 World Cup has ended with the appointment for former international goalkeeper Stanislav Cherchesov (pictured).
Under fire Mutko says no reason to move 2018 World Cup over doping scandal
July 25 – Russian sports minister Vitaly Mukto, barred from attending the Rio Olympics because of the country’s doping scandal, says he sees no reasons why the 2018 World Cup, which he is in charge of organising, should be switched.
Mutko feels the cold shoulder of IOC’s war on drug cheats
July 21 – The 2018 World Cup in Russia has come under yet more scrutiny after sports minister Vitaly Mutko, the tournament’s ultimate supremo, was barred by the International Olympic Committee from attending the forthcoming Rio Games after the damning revelations of a state-run doping system.
Putin steps in and orders speed up in build of World Cup stadia
July 20 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated officials in St. Petersburg to speed up construction of the city’s new stadium that has been earmarked as a key 2018 World Cup venue.
Mutko under pressure as doping ‘SAVE’ orders look like a big ball dropped
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Russia’s staging of the 2018 World Cup looks certain to come under increasing scrutiny despite a typically hands-off FIFA response to how the damning doping scandal that has rocked the sporting world might affect its flagship event.
Russia 2018 hospitality packages top out at $3m for the big hitters
By David Owen
July 14 – Match Hospitality has circulated details of luxury packages for attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the highest prices for advertised products leaving little change from $3 million.