The Republic of Ireland will play 1998 champions France in the play-offs for the World Cup finals. The French will have the advantage of playing the second leg on home soil.
Portugal, meanwhile, will face Bosnia-Herzegovina and it is Greece-Ukraine and Russia-Slovenia. (more…)
Sepp Blatter has confirmed FIFA will look into the foul-mouthed rant delivered by Diego Maradona after Argentina’s game with Uruguay. Maradona rounded on his critics after Argentina sealed their World Cup qualification with a 1-0 victory in Montevideo. But the Argentina coach’s sexually-explicit tirade, broadcast live on television, did not escape the attention of FIFA.
Blatter, the president of world football’s governing body, insists the matter will now be investigated by a disciplinary committee. (more…)
FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Jack Warner and Sunil Gulati visit New Meadowlands Stadium, currently under construction in New Jersey.
“US President Barack Obama has urged FIFA to let his country host the World Cup either in 2018 or 2022″.
It looks like there couldn’t have been a better day to open. Lots of pics and details from the opening after the jump (more…)
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has come out publicly about the Executive Committee’s desire to lower the current Under - 23 age limit with 3 overage players to an Under - 21 Tournament.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter acknowledged that England’s 2018 World Cup Bid is good enough to be a “very good contender” while also stating the single bids will have better consideration as opposed to joint bids.
The “2018 World Cup Bribery Wars” heat up, as Australian billionaire Frank Lowry joins the FIFA 2010 Organizing Committee comprised of 31 fatcats executives who will also pick the 2018 host country. No Englishmen are on this committee, which probably sinks their chances. Lowry himself has no soccer experience, but that shouldn’t matter since he is the wealthiest person in Australia.
Bill Archer at Bigsoccer has the full story with multiple links, including Sepp Blatter, Jack Warner and Mohammed bin Hammam’s inevitable roles.
Image via Transparencyinsport
