Russia to make match-fixing a criminal offence
By Duncan Mackay
January 11 – Match-fixing will be a criminal offence under new legislation set to be put before the Russian Parliament, the country’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has revealed.
Europe
French football says ‘Allo’ to the pink Puma
By David Owen
January 10 – You cannot help but admire the boldness of some of sports goods company Puma’s football initiatives.
British Parliamentary Committee to investigate racism in football
By Duncan Mackay
January 10 – A British Parliamentary Committee is investigate whether enough is being done to combat racism in football after incidents involving high-profile players, including England and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Police investigation launched after SPL footballer suffers racist abuse on Twitter
By Tom Degun
January 9 – Police have launched an investigation after Scottish Premier League (SPL) player Grégory Tadé (pictured) suffered racist abuse on the social media site Twitter.
I’d like to see Redknapp in charge of England after Euro 2012, says Sir Clive Woodward
By Alan Hubbard
January 8 – Sir Clive Woodward (pictured) has joined the call for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Redknapp to become the England football manager after Euro 2012.
FIFA decides to lift Switzerland ban threat after Sion punishment
By Andrew Warshaw
January 6 – FIFA has lifted its threat to suspend Switzerland from all domestic and international football following the Swiss Football Association’s (SVF) decision to dock 36 points from rebel club Sion.
Turkish initiative sees thousands of women and children at league matches for free
By David Gold
January 5 – Almost 57,000 women and children have watched Turkish league football this season for free, the country’s Football Federation (TFF) has claimed.
Fenerbahçe fans call on TFF to maintain match fixing rule
By David Gold
January 4 – Supporters of Turkish champions Fenerbahçe, who have been heavily implicated in the country’s match fixing scandal, have called on the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) not to alter a rule which could relegate the club.
Wales face Costa Rica in Gary Speed memorial match
By Andrew Warshaw
January 4 – Wales will play Costa Rica in a memorial match for former manager Gary Speed who tragically took his own life in November at the age of 42.
Eli Guttman named as Israeli team coach
By David Gold
January 4 – Eli Guttman (pictured) has been announced as the new Israeli national team coach, replacing Frenchman Luis Fernández, who left after a disappointing Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
FC Sion docked 36 points by SFV following FIFA row
By Andrew Warshaw
December 30 – The escalating dispute between the rebel Swiss club FC Sion and FIFA reached another pivotal milestone today when the Swiss Football Association (SFV) sensationally docked the club 36 points for fielding ineligible players, thereby seemingly avoiding a ban from international competition.
Heather Rabbatts appointed as first female FA Board member
By Andrew Warshaw
December 30 – The English Football Association, often criticised for being ultra-conservative and behind the times, has broken new ground by appointing Heather Rabbatts as its first female Board member.
FC Sion continue battle with FIFA following threats towards Swiss FA
By David Gold
December 29 – FC Sion are continuing their ongoing battle with FIFA after world football’s governing body threatened to expel the Swiss Football Association and all its teams from international competition unless the club are punished for breaching a transfer ban.
Turkish clubs could face European ban if found guilty of match fixing
By David Gold
December 29 – UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino (pictured) has refused to rule out the possibility that Turkish clubs could be banned from European competition if found guilty of involvement in the match fixing scandal that has rocked the country.
Platini makes veiled attack on critics in New Year’s message
By Andrew Warshaw
December 28 – UEFA President Michel Platini has made a veiled attack on his critics in a mixed New Year message to European football’s various stakeholders.