World Football Insider News

On the Scene - La Liga Chiefs Unveil Asian Expansion Plans

World Football Insider — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:26:03 GMT

Ex-Liverpool duo Steve McMahon and Phil Thompson with former Tottenham Hotspurs boss Ossie Ardiles and Thailand coach Bryan Robson in the final session of the day (WFI/M.Church)

(WFI) Spain's La Liga has set its sights on increasing its global reach by launching the International LFP Cup on the second and final day of the Soccerex Asian Forum in Singapore.

The annual pre-season tournament will be a global event featuring three La Liga clubs and the first will be held in an as-yet-undecided South East Asian nation either at the end of July or in the third week of August 2011.

La Liga has committed to hold three of the first five events in South East Asia with details of the first event to be formalized by the end of the year.

"We are trying to change gear the way the Spanish league is promoted, not only the league but the players and also the sport of football," Francisco Roca, La Liga's chief executive, told Soccerex delegates today.

"I say changing gears because so far most of the promotion of the Spanish league has been driven by the individual efforts of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"This has been extremely successful for us because those are the two elite teams of the Spanish league, but it's not enough.

"They will obviously continue to do their individual efforts to do their tours every pre-season but we think that as a competition we are mature enough to be able to promote not only our two elite teams but also the other teams of the Spanish league, especially the first division."

La Liga will embark on the project with their global television partners Mediapro, and Roca is confident the Spanish set-up can play a role in helping to develop football in Asia as well as increasing their own profile in the market.

"We'll make a very proactive effort in being more present in this market, not only from the competition standpoint of this kind of event but also from the promotion of the sport," he said.

"[We will be] working with the local federations and the local league and helping to do work in the grassroots area and the promotion of new football talent that I think is essential and is well done in this part of the world.

"If football doesn't really doesn't take off in this part of the world we can never say seriously that we are a global sport if football is not a well developed sport in Asia.

"This is one of the main reasons why we are interested in being present in Asia."

Roca's announcement was the highlight of the final day of the inaugural Soccerex Asian Forum, which also featured seminars on the value of pre-season tours and the development of young talent.

Representatives of the nations bidding for the hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup were in attendance, with Russia and Qatar continuing their push. England's 2018 bid team also had a small presence.

The Japanese bid continued their work in a low-key manner but representatives from the remaining bid committees were absent.

Australian 2022 World Cup bid officials, meanwhile, were in Kuala Lumpur handing over their bid book for the hosting of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup finals.

The conference concluded with a forum involving current Thailand coach Bryan Robson who was joined by Ossie Ardiles - the former Tottenham manager who has vast experience working across Asia - and ex-Liverpool duo Steve McMahon and Phil Thompson on the latest issues in the global game.

Michael Church reports from the Soccerex Asian Forum in Singapore

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Brazilian Sports Minister Hits Back at "Unfocused" World Cup 2014 Criticisms

World Football Insider — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:07:11 GMT

Brazilian sports minister Orlando Silva was in defiant mood following criticism of his country's World Cup preparations. (Getty)

(WFI) Brazilian Sports Minister Orlando Silva has hit back at criticisms of his country's preparations for the 2014 World Cup, and spoken of the huge financial commitment the government is making towards hosting the finals.

Speaking to reporters in an hour long conference call on Wednesday, Silva was asked about scathing criticism about Brazil's readiness - including a rebuke in May from FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, who declared himself "amazed" at the slow pace of change - and said that he had "no comment" for "unfocused comments and criticisms."

In an apparent rebuke against the media-backlash - precipitated by Valcke's comments - Silva said that FIFA would be "surprised" by Brazil's preparations when it becomes more closely engaged with the 2014 organizers, and suggested that it should share some responsibility for the slow start.

"FIFA should formally be in Brazil - with an office and everything - from next September," he said.

"And they will see our reality close by. They will be surprised with the preparations for the World Cup.

"But of course FIFA will have to do its part. Projects for stadiums were only approved in May and you cannot start building or revising a stadium without having had the project approved. But these are just details."

Silva nevertheless described the relations between FIFA and the Brazilian government as "very good."

"President Blatter has met three times with President Lula," he said.

"I myself have met several times have met several times with Blatter, Jerome [Valcke] and Ricardo Teixeira, who is the FIFA representative in Brazil."

Silva used the teleconference to talk up the significant federal and local government support for the World Cup.

He said that a final budget was still to be agreed as some matters - notably security - were still under discussion. But he revealed that $4.4billion federal money for local transport infrastructure would be augmented by a further $2.1billion from local government.

$3.1billion of federal funds, plus another $421million for ports was being made available.

In addition a $2.7billion credit line was being made available for stadiums, with a limit of $226million per stadium.

Another $556 million of credit was being made available for hotels, but Silva acknowledged that more would need to be agreed after huge interest from overseas corporations.

Silva hinted that there would be a resolution on Sao Paulo, which is currently without an agreed venue, and also said that Rio de Janeiro's media and broadcast centre would also be used for the 2016 Olympics.

He also suggested that the Brazilian government would have liked more than the twelve host cities approved by FIFA, but said that there would be plenty happening across the country and that it would be a genuinely national event.

"If we could put together all the cities that would be hosting an event for the 2014 World Cup we would have to redesign the Brazilian map," he said.

"The World Cup is a national project and this makes hosting the World Cup a more complex project.

"There are twelve cities, which means twelve local governments, eleven state governments and local governments.

"[All] are working together with the federal government - there is a very positive integration with different levels of government in Brazil."

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FIFA Says Australia Fully Prepared to Host 2022 World Cup

World Football Insider — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:53:44 GMT

Bid CEO Ben Buckley talks with the head of the FIFA delegation Harold Mayne-Nicholls at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre today (Getty)

(WFI) Australia is fully prepared to organise the World Cup in 2022, FIFA's inspection chief Harold Mayne-Nicholls said today at the end of a three-day visit.

But there was no wrap-up media conference scheduled, as Football Federation Australia maintained its clampdown on media following reports of misconduct by the bid in Melbourne newspaper, The Age. The FFA has since been cleared by the Australian government and FIFA.

Mayne-Nicholls delivered his inspection team's verdict at the conclusion of its visit, noting Australia's history of staging major international events.

"We remembered such great moments in the history of sport in Australia when at the Olympic Stadium Cathy Freeman talked about her gold medal at the 2000 Olympics and when John Aloisi described his feelings before and after the penalty kick that took you to the World Cup in 2006," he said in a statement.

"The visit to the Sports National Museum in Melbourne was very special and such a museum is for sure one of the best in the world."

He said the inspection group was briefed on plans to deliver new first-class stadiums and to renovate existing stadiums, the implementation of volunteers programs and the improvements in telecommunications and transportation that will take place if the country's bid is successful.

"If the World Cup comes to Australia in 2022, it will be more than a football tournament with four important areas in social development, including the Oceania countries in this program," Mayne-Nicholls said.

"We must conclude that this country seems to be prepared in all the aspects to organize the World Cup in 2022."

He thanked the Australian bid committee and the FFA on behalf of FIFA's six-man inspection team, saying they "did an excellent job".

"Also thanks to all of the community and the authorities that treated us in a wonderful way and to all the footballers boys and girls present at some inspection site visits and to the police that did a magnificent job," he said.

He added: "About the visit, we all agree that it was organized in a very professional way.

"We could check different venues and stadiums, airports and transportation systems, conventions and congress centres and also had the chance to meet the sponsors of the bid and to hear about the economic and financial condition of Australia and some predictions about the situation for the region in future years."

According to Mayne-Nicholls, the Australian government has shown full support for the bid process. He said he was impressed that representatives of the opposition were also present at a dinner reception hosted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Kiribilli House.

"The commitment of the country seems to be outstanding, taking into consideration that both parties, in the middle of an election process, made time to enjoy a wonderful evening with us," he said.

"During the visit we had the chance to learn a lot about your country and especially about football in Australia. We are proud to know that programs such as Football United are used as a vehicle for social improvements that will help to build better communities.

"Also it was very impressive to read that the growth of football in Australia in the last decade has been 60 per cent and that at the moment there are more than 600,000 players registered."

Heavy rain played havoc with an already-tight tour schedule for the FIFA delegation today. It forced the cancellation of a scheduled flight to Newcastle, but FFA officials took the opportunity to take the group on a quick visit to Sydney Wildlife World at Sydney's popular Darling Harbour.

The delegates had their picture taken with a koala. Earlier in the day, they attended a breakfast meeting with some of country's leading business figures and were shown a presentation about the "commercial power of Asia and Australia's role within the Asian commercial environment".

A display at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre gave the delegates a first-hand look at every city, region and stadium in the Football Federation Australia bid. Large colour images of the cities and the proposed stadiums were on display.

SCEC is Australia's largest venue for conferences and special events and could be used during a FIFA World Cup as a venue for the preliminary and final draw and also used to house the International Broadcast Centre.

"High-level representatives from the six state and territories involved in the bid were present to brief the delegates in person," the FFA said.

Australia was the third stop on FIFA's tour of the nine countries that are bidding to host either the 2018 or 2022 tournaments. The inspection panel will next scrutinise the joint bid from Holland-Belgium in a visit beginning on Aug. 9.

Australia miss out on Bin Hammam's vote
While FIFA delegated were wrapping up their visit there was some unwelcome news from elsewhere in the region for Australian bid officials.

Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam publicly backed Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid at the inaugural Soccerex Asian Forum in Singapore. It's the first time he has publicly declared his intentions to vote for the Middle East nation ahead of the three other Asian candidates in the running for 2022, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

"I have one vote...and frankly speaking I will vote for Qatar, but if Qatar is not in the running I will vote for another Asian country," Hammam told reporters.

By Anthony Stavrinos in Sydney

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Newsdesk - Maradona Ousted as Argentina Coach; Barcelona Debt Crisis Revealed

World Football Insider — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:18:35 GMT

Maradona was forced out following a meeting of the AFA executive committee (Getty)

(WFI) Diego Maradona's colourful spell as Argentina manager has come to an end after he was effectively sacked by the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) executive committee.

His departure comes after committee "unanimously" decided against renewing Maradona's contract.

"The president of the Argentinian Football Association, Mr Julio Grondona, made the members of the executive committee aware of the conversation with Mr Diego Maradona, setting out the points which had come out from the meeting," said a short statement on the AFA's website.

"The executive committee unanimously resolved not to renew the contract with Mr Diego Maradona as coach of the Argentina national football team."

As recently as the weekend Maradona had been tipped to stay on as national manager, despite the country's humiliating World Cup quarter-final exit -- a 4-0 defeat to Germany.

However reported disagreements about the make up of his backroom staff precipitated Maradona's exit.

"Maradona's requirements were very far from the FA's possibilities," said AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo.
The end of Maradona's unlikely 21-month career as national manager brings to an end one of the most tumultuous spells in Argentina's footballing history.

During that time Maradona used 107 players and only managed to qualify for South Africa after a dramatic injury time win over Peru last October and subsequent victory over Uruguay. Argentina's qualification campaign also featured a 6-1 defeat to Bolivia and a foul-mouthed rant against journalists - earning him a three month ban from FIFA - once qualification had been secured.

Certainly life under Maradona was never dull and not once in his time as coach did Argentina draw a match. A sparkling start to the World Cup saw some tip Argentina as favourites, but the coach's tactical naivety was cruelly exposed by Germany.

Argentina go into next month's friendly with Ireland in Dublin without a manager, but the AFA hope to have a permanent manager in place when they face world champions Spain in September.

Barcelona debt crisis revealed
A fresh audit into Barcelona's finances revealed that the Spanish champions posted a loss of ?77million last season and have total debts of ?442million.

The audit by Deloitte was commissioned by new president Sandro Rosell, who took office on July 1. The figures call into question the ?11million profit claimed by the previous board.

"The figures presented by the former board don't reflect the real image," said Barcelona's vice-president for economic affairs Javier Faus.

"There is a structural problem. The sporting excellence in the last few years has not been reflected in economic excellence. The new board's goal is to bring economic excellence alongside sporting excellence."

Earlier this month Barcelona took out a ?155million loan to ease cashflow problems, and Rosell claimed that the club would need to embark on an "austerity policy."

Ukrainian defender Dmitryo Chygrynskiy was sold to ease the club's financial predicament, while Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure and France forward Thierry Henry have also been allowed to leave.

Although striker David Villa arrived at the Nou Camp in a ?40million deal in May, a multi-million move for the Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas now looks less likely.

Regan new Scottish football CEO
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has made Stewart Regan its new CEO, following the departure of Gordon Smith in April.

The 46 year old joins the SFA having held a similar position at Yorkshire Cricket Club. He was previously a director of England's Football

New SFA chief executive Stewart Regan leaves a similar position at Yorkshire Cricket Club (SFA)

League and was involved in its successful rebranding six years ago.

"I am absolutely delighted to join as Chief Executive and regard this as another huge challenge in my career. From my recent posts with The Football League and Coors Brewers, I have experience of working with a number of the key stakeholders in Scottish football.??

"Scottish football has not been immune to the difficulties of the current financial climate but the passion and commitment to the national game in this country remains unrivalled. It is this loyalty and dedication that will be essential to re-establishing the game.??

"I am aware there is currently a great debate on the way forward for Scottish football and it is my intention to bring all the relevant parties closer together to achieve the obvious common goal of improving the overall standard of the No.1 sport in this country."

SFA president George Peat said that Regan fulfilled the SFA's criteria for wide-ranging business skills and a "thick skin".

"Of all the applications we received, Stewart's stood out for the level of his success in business and sport but also for the diversity of his experience," he said.

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On the Scene - Bin Hammam Publicly Backs Qatar 2022 World Cup Bid

World Football Insider — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:47:07 GMT

Bin Hammam in a one-to-one interview with Matt Lorenzo, the opening session of today's Soccerex Asian Forum (WFI/M.Church)

(WFI) Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam came out in support of his home nation Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid as he opened the inaugural Soccerex Asian Forum in Singapore on Wednesday.

Hammam's backing of his homeland's pitch ahead of Asian nations Japan, Korea Republic and Australia comes as little surprise but this was the first time the 61-year-old has gone public with his intentions.

"I have one vote...and frankly speaking I will vote for Qatar, but if Qatar is not in the running I will vote for another Asian country," Hammam told reporters.

The quartet of Asian countries are facing off against each other and the USA in the bid race, with the decision due to be announced by FIFA's executive committee in Zurich on Dec. 2.

All four are aiming to become the first Asian country to host the World Cup since the Japanese and Koreans split the finals between them in 2002.

Hammam, meanwhile, also hailed the decision by FIFA president Sepp Blatter to stick by South Africa as hosts of the 2010 World Cup finals, despite concerns in the build-up to the tournament over the country's infrastructural and crime issues in what was a universally lauded event.

"I would like to put on the record that all the credit has to go to Mr. Blatter personally," said Hammam.

"He was the one person on the executive committee of FIFA who was insisting to take the World Cup to Africa while most of us were doubting the readiness of Africa to host the World Cup."

While once staunch allies, the relationship between Hammam and Blatter has soured in recent times with the Qatari expected in many quarters to launch a bid to oust

The Russia 2018 World Cup bid is sponsoring one of the lounges at Soccerex Asia (WFI/M.Church)

the Swiss as FIFA president when Blatter stands for reelection next year.

Hammam, however, played down talk of a serious rift between the two, who were long-time allies until the fallout.

"Even with my own brother, the son of my mother and my father sometimes I have arguments and Blatter is not going to be an exception and we have some differences," he said.

"But he's my good friend."

The AFC president had previously been quoted saying he would not support a bid by China to host the 2026 event, but he moved to clarify the remarks made earlier this month.

"I cannot deprive any country of the dream of hosting the World Cup, but there was a question about whether I would support China for hosting 2026," he said.

"It was a correction from my side that I told the journalist that we have four nations in Asia who are bidding for the World Cup in 2022 and if any of those nations succeeded, then the World Cup cannot come back in 2026 so China will have to wait four more years."

Hammam was on hand to open Soccerex's first foray into South East Asia with the conference featuring discussions on how to unlock revenues in the Asian market through broadcasting and betting and on how to respect the market and how it operates.

Several hundred delegates from around and beyond the continent attended the conference, at which the World Cup bidding committees of Qatar and Russia had a significant presence.

Michael Church reports from the Soccerex Asian Forum in Singapore

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Newsdesk - World Cup Windfall Not For Bonuses; Iraq Face FIFA Ban

World Football Insider — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:19:39 GMT

SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani has denied reports that officials will pocket South Africa's World Cup windfall (Getty)

(WFI) South African FA (SAFA) President Kirsten Nematandani denies that the anticipated 1billion rand ($136million) payment the SAFA will receive from FIFA will find its way into the hands of officials as bonuses for their part in organizing the World Cup.

Local newspaper reports had alleged that large parts of the windfall would find its way into the hands of LOC and SAFA executives.

Nematandani said SAFA officials met FIFA president Sepp Blatter and FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke two days after the World Cup final and their instructions about the windfall, expected to be paid by September, were straightforward.
"They were very clear - the money is not meant for bonuses," he was quoted by the South African Sunday Times.

Nematandani said that the money would be paid into a trust jointly administered by FIFA and the SAFA, which would also include "someone from the government, someone from football and members in good standing in our community."

"The funds are not meant for utilizing now, they're for long-term projects," he said.
"We are starting to get our development house in order with grassroots projects."

Nematandani added that he was unsure how much the SAFA would receive, saying only that the SAFA had been guaranteed a certain figure pre-tournament and that this may be exceeded after good ticket sales.

Bin Hammam Concern at Iraq Impasse

AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam has expressed his "deep concern" after the postponement of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) elections on Sunday.

The elections were postponed after too few delegates travelled to the Kurdish city of Arbil, where FIFA had ordered they take place due to security concerns.

Iraq, the current AFC Asian Cup holders, now face the risk of international expulsion should FIFA take action.

"The situation in Iraq is of deep concern to AFC and FIFA," said Bin Hammam.

"I hope the issue will be resolved amicably for the good of Iraqi football."

The impasse follows allegations that Iraq's Shi'ite-led government has been trying to remove top officials from sport bodies suspected of having ties to the Sunni-led former government of Saddam Hussein.

IFA President Hussain Sa'eed was previously a senior official on the Olympic Committee controlled by Saddam's son Uday. He faces a challenge from Falah Hassan, who is backed by the government.

FIFA had previously twice suspended Iraq, revoking the most recent ban in March on condition of the new elections.

"All parties need to abide by FIFA's guidelines, which are very clear," said Bin Hammam.

"Politics has no place in football and all stakeholders should work together to take Iraqi football forward.

"The game is a great unifying factor in Iraq. The authorities should take care that its credibility is not destroyed."

Fahmy made FIFA Director of Competitions

CAF General Secretary Mustapha Fahmy has been appointed FIFA Director of Competitions following Jim Brown's decision to leave the organisation after the World Cup.

Fahmy's appointment represents the first time someone from outside the Americas or Europe has held such a position.

He succeeds Brown, the Bolivian-born American, who is returning to the US for family reasons after seven years in Zurich.

The experienced Egyptian has served at CAF since 1978, the last 28 years of which have been as general secretary.

Earlier this month he served as FIFA's general coordinator for the World Cup Final at Johannesburg's Soccer City.

Prior to that match, in an interview with FIFA.com, Fahmy paid tribute to the World Cup 2010 organizers.

"The organizing committee have managed to complete their mission despite everything that was said initially," he said.

"Every match has gone ahead without any snags at all. The organizers have been a credit to the African continent in the way they have produced such a wonderful FIFA World Cup."

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Brisbane and Melbourne Dates for FIFA's Australia 2022 Bid Inspectors

World Football Insider — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:32:18 GMT

Danny Jordaan, a member of the six-man FIFA delegation, looks over an exhibition of Queensland stadia whilst in Brisbane (Getty)

(WFI) FIFA's inspection of Australia's bid to host the 2022 World Cup continued today with visits to Brisbane and Melbourne.

The six-man delegation, led by Chilean Football Federation President Harold Mayne-Nicholls, were shown around the Brisbane Stadium by Queensland Minister for Sport Phil Reeves and through an exhibition of host city displays from the state. These include Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville.

The delegation also watched a training session by Brisbane Roar Brisbane Roar A-League, W-league and National Youth League players.

Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay said it was a privilege to be involved in showcasing Australia's bid.

"A FIFA World Cup is bigger than the Olympics and it would be fantastic to have one played here in Australia," McKay said.

"It would see an enormous boost to our sporting infrastructure and the feeling a World Cup would create would be enormous."

The delegation also met Elsie Kellond-Knight and Matilda Brooke Spence, who recently starred in Australia's AFC Women's Asian Cup win in China.

"The focus it would bring to football in this country would see the see the game continue to grow and it would be great for the men's game but also women's football and for the youth leagues as well," said Kellond-Knight.

The delegation later headed south to Victoria, where they were taken to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Victorian Premier John Brumby welcomed the delegation and showed them a host city display of Melbourne and Geelong and images of the proposed Geelong Stadium.

Players from the new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart were joined by around 500 schoolchildren for a demonstration of "Australia's junior football depth and enthusiasm."

"It was an awesome display with all of those girls and boys playing football and I think the FIFA guys were really impressed ," said Socceroo and Melbourne Heart defender Michael Beauchamp.

"They asked us what the atmosphere was like at the MCG with a big crowd and a few questions like that and we told them it was one of the world's great stadiums.

"If we got a FIFA World Cup in Australia it would be sensational as Australians love sport and they would all get behind it."

The delegation also visited the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre which could be used as a venue for a Preliminary or Final draw if Australia won the right to host a FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Ten host cities have been selected as part of the bi d under Australia's nationwide hosting proposal that will see World Cup matches in six states and territories.

Three new stadiums will be built in Perth, Canberra and Blacktown in Western Sydney and nine others upgraded should the did be successful, providing an infrastructure legacy for all sporting codes worth an estimated US$2.55 billion.

Australia is the third stop in a tour of the nine countries bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA tournaments and the inspection team will wrap its visit tomorrow.

Football Federation Australia officials are keeping the media off limits for the entire visit, choosing instead to release pooled footage and images along with prepared statements.

The decision to deny media representatives access to FIFA officials is understood to have come after recent allegations raised by The Age newspaper against Australia's bid team, later discredited by the Australian Government, the FFA and FIFA.

"FIFA have informed FFA that the FIFA Delegation visit is exclusively for the purpose of inspecting stadiums and other critical infrastructure and therefore members of the delegation will not be available for interview during their visit," said the FFA.

The three-day visit concludes on Wednesday and is followed by an 11-day break before the FIFA team inspect the other six candidates for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

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The Monday Briefing - Japan 2022 Bid Leadership Change; Jordaan Contests CAF Presidency

World Football Insider — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:40:08 GMT

Junji Ogura is the new chairman of the Japan 2022 bid (Getty)

(WFI) World Football Insider rounds up the 10 things you need to know about the global football business today.

Ogura is new face of Japan bid
Junji Ogura has replaced Motoaki Inukai as chairman of japan's 2022 World Cup bid and as president of the Japan Football Association. Inukai steps down after serving a two-year term as head of the JFA amid claims that his forceful style management lost him support in his reported quest to be re-elected for another term. But a spokeswoman for the Japan bid told INSIDER that the resignation of Inukai "has nothing to do with the management of the bid".

The change in leadership of the bid committee comes just days after a FIFA inspection team visited Japan. As bid chief, Ogura, one of the 24 members of the FIFA Executive Committee, will be expected to wield considerable influence in the lobbying of other FIFA Ex-co members in the months leading up to the Dec. 2 vote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts.

Ogura said the Japan 2022 bid had done an excellent job under Inukai's leadership. FIFA inspectors last week praised Japan's "very well balanced" bid and he promised the bid team would work even harder in the final months of its campaign. "I am deeply committed to bringing the 2022 FIFA World Cup to this country and will build on the bid's current momentum to communicate Japan's passion to host this great sports event to both domestic and international audiences," he said.

Jordaan to challenge Hayatou for CAF presidency
The South African Football Association has confirmed it will nominate Danny Jordaan to challenge Issa Hayatou for the presidency of the Confederation of African Football at elections next year. "Our position is clear, we want to transform soccer, not only in Africa, but the rest of the world," SAFA vice-president Mwelo Nonkonyana told the Sunday World. He added: "We have already consulted extensively in this regard. We have to know CAF's views. We don't want to antagonise people; we wish to make a difference." Jordaan is acclaimed for masterminding a successful World Cup, not least by FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Hayatou has been CAF president since 1987.

Blatter shows commitment to African football
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has exchanged letters with South African president Jacob Zuma in which both leaders underline their shared vision for World Cup 2010 to leave a lasting social legacy. According to FIFA.com, Blatter restated his belief to Zuma that the World Cup would "provide a trigger for long-term and sustained social, cultural and educational development". Zuma highlighted the benefits of the 1 Goal Education for All Campaign, which will reportedly assist 72 million children, almost half of whom are in Africa, who are not attending school. Zuma also thanked Blatter again for his unequivocal support in the challenging build-up to the tournament and during the month-long event, saying that "your confidence in us and in Africa has made it possible for us to prove Afro-pessimists wrong".

Coe wants rethink on GB team for 2012
Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Olympics organising committee, wants Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to reverse their decision not to be part of the Great Britain football team at the Games. At the moment, only English players will make up the team because the other three nations fear their status as independent nations is under threat if they join a GB side. "If you are asking me do I think the people in Great Britain want to see a Great Britain football team [put] out, I am hazarding a guess that they do," Lord Coe told BBC Radio Five Live's 'Sportsweek'. "However, that is not really for me to decide - it is a matter for the BOA and the FA."

Brazil's new coach Mano Menezes was today presented at a news conference by the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation Ricardo Teixeira (Getty)
New Brazil coach
The Brazilian football confederation has appointed Mano Menezes as the new Brazil coach. The former Corinthians boss is charged with helping Brazil win their sixth World Cup when the tournament takes place on home soil in 2014. CBF president Ricardo Teixeira, who also leads the Brazil 2014 organising committee, was reportedly encouraged by the willingness shown by Mano Menezes to take on the daunting challenge. Brazil were knocked out by the Netherlands in the quarter-final of World Cup 2010. The 48-year-old's first game in charge of Brazil is a friendly against the USA on Aug. 10.

Brazil 2014 World Cup update
Brazil's sports minister Orlando Silva will update reporters on the country's 2014 World Cup preparations in a news conference on Wednesday. He will comment on the status of construction progress across the project in 12 host cities and is expected to provide fresh information on a stadium plan for Sao Paulo. At the moment, South America's largest city is not part of Brazil 2014 plans. Last month, the city's Morumbi Stadium was dropped from the list of proposed host stadia due to lack of financial guarantees for renovations to meet FIFA requirements.

Raul quits Bernabeu
Real Madrid legend Raul holds a farewell celebration today after the club announced the 33-year-old was leaving the club after 17 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu. Spain's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals is joining German Bundesliga side Schalke on a two-year deal. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and director general Jorge Valdano today took part in a news conference in Madrid to mark Raul's departure.

Tickets on sale for 2011 AFC Asian Cup
A unique ticket design has been unveiled for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup taking place in Qatar. Tickets have security features to prevent ticket forgery, as well as a custom-designed hologram. It's the first time in the tournament's history that tickets are going on sale almost six months before kick-off. Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam urged fans to buy tickets early for the 16-team tournament taking place in five stadiums from January 7 to 29. "The tickets are reasonably priced to give everybody an opportunity to enjoy and maximise the stadium experience. AFC is keen to make the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 an event for the whole family and our ticketing concept is family-friendly," he said. Tickets are priced between $1.40 and $41. Around 550,000 tickets are now on public sale through the official website www.afcasiancup.com. Over-the-counter sales in Qatar start later in the year.

Man Utd lose in Kansas
Manchester United lost 2-1 against Kansas City Wizards in a pre-season friendly over the weekend that ranks as one of the best ever results by an MLS club in any international match. A crowd of 52,424 watched the match at Arrowhead Stadium, the first event there since its $325m renovation. The friendly also provided a boost for Kansas City's chances of being included in the USA's final list of host cities for the 2022 World Cup if the bid is successful. United will face the Major League Soccer All-Stars in Houston on Wednesday.

Prozone partners with Leaders in Performance
Prozone Sports Ltd has re-signed as a partner for the second edition of the Leaders in Performance conference, which takes in October at Chelsea FC. Since 1998, Prozone has spearheaded the development of performance analysis in football, working with some of the leading coaches in the professional game. Currently, 75% of clubs in the Premier League and English Championship work with Prozone - in total over 100 clubs, leagues and federations worldwide now benefit from its performance analysis systems including Arsenal, Everton, CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid and U.S. Soccer. Leaders in Performance is dedicated to the identification, development and management of sporting talent.

By INSIDER editor Mark Bisson

World Cup 2010 Team Profiles now available in PDF--another INSIDER exclusive!

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FIFA World Cup Bid Inspectors Meet Australian PM; Praise for S.Korea

World Football Insider — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:47:50 GMT

Bid chairman Frank Lowy with FIFA inspection chief Harold Mayne-Nicholls at Sydney Opera House today (Getty)

(WFI) The FIFA team arrived in Sydney on Monday to begin their inspection of Australia's bid for the 2022 World Cup.

After visiting ANZ Stadium, the FIFA delegation led by Harold Mayne-Nicholls met with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and all state and territory leaders at Kirribilli House, her official residence.

Earlier at the Sydney stadium, former Socceroo John Aloisi and Olympic 400m champion Cathy Freeman spoke with FIFA delegates and demonstrated their support for the bid.

ANZ Stadium was the scene of dramatic sporting moments for the pair.

Aloisi relived the night he scored a penalty against Uruguay in 2005 to send the Socceroos to Germany 2006, Australia's first FIFA World Cup in 32 years.

"Football has come a long way in this country since then and I really think that night was a turning point," Aloisi said.

"It would be fantastic to have a FIFA World Cup in Australia and we would do a great job if given the chance."

Freeman related her experience of winning gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

"We have such a strong sporting culture in Australia and the support I got that night was amazing. I could feel them willing me on and I just rode the wave," Freeman said.

"We have a great record in holding major events and if we get a FIFA World Cup we would do a great job."

Earlier today, the FIFA delegation received a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony welcome on the Sydney Opera house forecourt.

Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy, bid CEO Ben Buckley and sports minister Kate Ellis were present. The ceremony was followed by FFA's first detailed briefing to the FIFA panel.

In his opening remarks about the visit, Mayne-Nicholls said: "We are sure that during this stay we will learn a lot about your people, your bid book and your ability to hold big events.

"We hope also that you will be in a position to ask us all the questions you need to resolve before we write the final report to the FIFA Executive Committee members."

Danny Jordaan, CEO of the South African World Cup, joined the FIFA delegation for the Australian leg of its two-month tour of the nine bidders for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments .

He is a technical advisor on the inspection team but his availability during FIFA's inspections is limited due to his involvement in winding up World Cup business back in Johannesburg.

In addition to evaluating Sydney's SFS and ANZ stadiums during the three-day inspection, the FIFA delegates also assess stadiums, training facilities, fan fest sites and hotels in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Ten host cities in six states and territories are included in Australia's 2022 bid.

Three new stadiums will be built in Perth, Canberra and Blacktown in Western Sydney and nine others upgraded if the bid is successful, providing a $2.8 billion infrastructure legacy for the country.

At the end of its inspection tour in September, the FIFA team gives its assessment on the nine bids in a written report to FIFA's 24 executive who will choose the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Zurich on Dec. 2.

FIFA praises South Korea bid
FIFA inspectors praised the "enthusiasm and passion for the game" in South Korea on Sunday at the end of their three-day visit to assess the country's 2022 World Cup bid plans.

"We had a pleasant stay and an intense programme. We are very confident with the structures in place. The legacy of the 2002 FIFA World Cup is present everywhere," head of the FIFA team Mayne-Nicholls told a press briefing in Seoul.

The Chilean FA president said the FIFA team was impressed by Koreans' "enthusiasm and passion for the game", remarking on the Seoul City Plaza, one of the fan fest venues and scene of ecstatic celebration as South Korea reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.

Arriving last Thursday, the five-man delegation has visited various sites including the Seoul World Cup Stadium and Ulsan Munsu Stadium as well as optional team hotels and proposed Fan Fest sites. On Friday, they attended a dinner hosted by the South Korean president Lee Myung-Bak.

Bid chairman Han Sung-Joo told the press briefing: "They came here to verify our ability, will, and preparedness to host World Cup 2022. I hope and trust that they did just that.

"I am impressed with the way in which the five members of the team have conducted their inspections. They have demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism, objectivity, and expertise."

Han added: "They asked the right questions, went to the right places, saw the right things including the stadiums, media and conference centers, and accommodation facilities, and met the right people.

"I trust that they got the right answers to their questions, which will help them to prepare the most objective and accurate report of their inspection."

By INSIDER editor Mark Bisson

World Cup 2010 Team Profiles now available in PDF--another INSIDER exclusive!

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Analysis - What Brazil 2014 World Cup Organisers Can Learn From South Africa

World Football Insider — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:22:22 GMT

Brazil 2014 organisers led by Ricardo Teixeira, pictured with President Lula and FIFA's Sepp Blatte, have plenty of work ahead (Getty)

INSIDER's World Cup Report Card rates key aspects in the organisation of South Africa 2010 and offers insights on what Brazil 2014 chiefs must do to exceed expectations in the delivery of their tournament.

FIFA - 8/10
After years of doubts over South Africa's readiness and security, the 2010 World Cup will ultimately be viewed as a triumph for FIFA. Staging the world's biggest sporting event in a nation that was 16 years ago still under the grip of an apartheid regime is no small matter and the extent of FIFA's achievement should be applauded. But there was always a constant sense that South Africans, particularly poorer citizens, could have been better included. Having a separate, affordable band of tickets for South Africans was a worthy initiative. Less so was the way that locals were excluded to somehow protect FIFA's sponsors. But the expectation that FIFA would somehow elevate a nation out of poverty and economic disparity purely by staging a tournament on its soil was always ludicrous.

FIFA were utterly loyal to the local organizing committee (LOC), even during times when that bond came under strain. Earlier this year they bailed the LOC out to the tune of $100 million - a staggering amount that has not really come under great scrutiny. In the build-up to the tournament, the LOC's pronouncements about South Africa's state of readiness flew in the face of reality. And yet FIFA overlooked many of these concerns. During the tournament the disgraceful treatment of stadium security guards demanded condemnation from FIFA, but none was forthcoming. This might have eased relations in its daily operations, but played out badly to the world. FIFA has a duty to make sure its tournaments are run in the way it expects football to be played - with fairness and integrity.

The challenge for Brazil
We have already seen greater openness over preparations for the Brazil World Cup, with Jerome Valcke's criticisms about the pace of construction work well publicized. How this relationship plays out over the next few years will be fascinating, but the suspicion is that FIFA will be less forgiving with one of football's great powerhouses than it was with South Africa. A more realistic approach about what a World Cup can do for a nation would also be better. Certainly a tournament can change the world's perceptions of a nation, but it can't actually change a country and FIFA should be more upfront about football's limitations.

Local Organising Committee - 7/10
The LOC led by Irvin Khoza and Danny Jordaan will view the World cup as vindication for its continual promises over the last seven years that everything would pass smoothly once it got under way. By and large it did and Jordaan, the face of the World Cup organisers, deserves huge credit for this. Yet pre-tournament it was less than open in its dealings with the international media, guarding news almost to the point of paranoia. At times it was difficult - bordering on impossible - for a foreign journalist to obtain accurate or truthful information about South Africa's state of readiness. An example was being denied access to a "99.8% complete" Soccer City last November for health and safety reasons (even though local journalists were admitted), and turning up anyway to find none of the surrounding concourses or roads in any way complete. When concerns were put to the LOC they blamed the municipalities, who also pleaded ignorance. And in the early stages of the tournament, the LOC was far too quick to pin the blame for its problems elsewhere. Rather disingenuously striking security guards were the fault of the security company it had hired - nothing to do with LOC. Transport problems lay with the government's department of transport, as did the poor dissemination of travel information. Crime queries were to be addressed to the police.

The challenge for Brazil
With flak already hitting Brazil 2014 chiefs over slow progress with stadium construction, there will be no hiding place for organising committee leader Ricardo Teixeira and his colleagues. Greater transparency in its dealings with the international media will be demanded, and it seems unlikely that the fiercely critical Brazilian media will be anything like the largely supine South African press corps. More integration with local and regional governments would be helpful. Brazilian cities should look at how London's Olympic organizers work with its mayor's office on issues such as transport, security and building work as an example of how it should be done.

South Africa's stadiums - 8/10
The new generation of world-class football stadia is a major plus point for South Africa. Soccer City, Cape Town's Green Point and Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium are each up there with the best in the world. Makeovers to existing grounds, such as Loftus Versfeld and Rustenburg, meant that they also lived up to expectations. Notwithstanding empty seats at some matches, the atmosphere was excellent throughout - and the perennial honk of the vuvuzelas, loved by locals but mostly loathed by others as the tournament progressed, added to the experience. Stadium catering was adequate but fairly priced. Corporate hospitality facilities were good and universally praised by those who used them.

On the flipside, FIFA's much-criticised policy of creating exclusion zones around stadiums, where only its partners and sponsors could trade, was counterproductive. It created bad feeling among South Africans, diminished the cheery pre-match atmosphere and ultimately the match-going experience. It seems difficult to imagine how a corporate monolith could see their brand compromised or their returns diminished by a local vendor, who would surely only have added to the occasion. Some stadiums, such as Soccer City and Rustenburg, were apart from urban areas, but their transport integration with the rest of the locality left much to be desired.

The challenge for Brazil
Sao Paulo's stadium troubles - it doesn't have one fit for the World Cup in FIFA's eyes - is creating negative headlines internationally, while less than half the 12 host stadia for the 2014 tournament are under construction. South Africa also faced a race to the wire to get venues finished on time. But Brazil must accelerate its work on its stadium infrastructure if it is to start hitting FIFA deadlines. In Brazil, closer cooperation with local authorities to introduce some form of licensing for local vendors near stadiums would eradicate the rather sanitised pre-match experience and generate local goodwill. For out-of-town stadia, better integration with municipal transport would ease many fans headaches.

Media operations - 8/10
There were some teething problems - such as where to go for accreditation (the media guide gave a wrong location). Media facilities were functional - large tented areas outside the stadiums - but served their purpose. A remarkably small staff, consisting largely of FIFA's media team, oversaw the whole, huge operation, augmented by hundreds of cheerful and mostly efficient volunteers. Statistical information was provided in great detail and with remarkable speed.
In Soccer City, the media tribune was outstanding, with desks, monitors and power points for virtually everyone. Elsewhere these were less in abundance, and at some venues many press were limited to a bucket seat. Unlike Germany 2006, internet access was free and available via LAN and wi-fi throughout the media centres, stadium press areas and mixed zones. Anything less in Brazil will be met with howls of derision.

Catering in the media centres was poor. Hungry hacks were subjected to a McDonald's "McCafe" franchise, whose signature dish was a panini with a burned crust and an uncooked centre - we were better served on the concourses with the rest of the fans.

FIFA made good use of their media channel, with an efficient online ticketing service and the daily press briefings broadcast via the medium were useful.

Free shuttle buses took media from official hotels to stadiums on an hourly basis. More confusing was the issue over parking. Journalists applied for a parking permit with their match ticket months in advance, but generally didn't know whether it had been granted until the day before a match - whereupon you had to go and collect it there and then. Many reporters based their accommodation choices on the assumption that they would be able to drive to each match, but actually this was the exception rather than the rule.

The challenge for Brazil
With the 2014 venues so widely spread, it's critical that transport and logistical challenges are carefully worked out to avoid travel headaches for journalists. Clearer pre-tournament guidance on media transport would make life easier, while better catering should be an easy fix for Brazil. Maintaining the appropriate balance between fans in a stadium and journalists is a tough one; on reflection FIFA probably got it right

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and World Cup CEO Danny Jordaan keep 2010 preparations on course amid much media criticism (Getty)

for South Africa. The potential of the online media channel was realized this time, but even still there is perhaps scope to expand it to include team press conferences.

Football - not a classic World Cup - 5/10
Had it not been for the vibrant Germans and Portugal's demolition of North Korea, South Africa would have yielded the fewest goals per game of any finals tournament in history. Only in Italy in 1990 were there fewer goals per game and that tournament precipitated significant modifications to football's laws, including the outlawing of backpasses and changes to offside, favouring attackers. What we saw in South Africa was how lesser nations have improved at a faster rate than football's established powers. Defences in particular are better organized and more efficient across the board than at any time in football's history. It could well be that in four years time an underdog like Uruguay or Ghana goes all the way to the final. Despite the brutal final, in which Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0, and incidents like Luis Suarez's notorious handball against Ghana, fair play generally prevailed and the standard of refereeing was good. However, FIFA's arcane stance on the use of goal-line technology was exposed to be a nonsense after Frank Lampard's ghost goal for England against Germany.

The challenge for Brazil
Surely some form of technological aid for referees is a must for Brazil. Goal-line technology is on the agenda for October's meeting of the International Football Association Board. But Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini's opposition to such developments is well known. Additional assistant referees were this week sanctioned by IFAB for a number of competitions including the UEFA Champions League and could be used in 2014. The other factor which would help raise the level of football's so-called stars is a mandatory mid-season break for all qualifying nations. Too few of the stars shone in South Africa, and the fatigue of such players as Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka was all too obvious after draining seasons. Danny Jordaan admitted that the growing importance placed on the Champions League by Europe's top clubs had contributed to sapping players' energy by the season's end.

Transport issues - 4/10
One of the LOC's most roundly mocked pre-tournament assertions was that its transport infrastructure was better than that of the previous hosts, Germany. South Africa actually has no public transport system to speak of, and is hugely reliant on private cars and minibuses. Given such a context, that it fared so well during the World Cup was laudable. Serious problems did exist, notably on Johannesburg's roads. Travel information was also woeful, with fans having no idea how to get to and from stadiums. In the first week of matches, swathes of seats at Soccer City and Ellis Park were left empty at kick-off as supporters struggled to reach their seats - despite turnstiles being opened

Spanish captain Iker Casillas celebrates in Madrid with his teammates after Spain won the World Cup (Getty)

four hours before games. Roadworks were not completed on time and there were no dedicated traffic lanes for FIFA vehicles.Inter-city transport was problematic and private cars or air travel were necessities. The latter was hugely expensive, with South African Airways - a tournament partner - particularly culpable for exploiting visitors to the country. How else to describe the �500 price put on a Johannesburg-Port Elizabeth flight, which is approximately 90 minutes each way?

The challenge for Brazil
Given its geography and state of development, Brazil will face many of the same challenges as South Africa. One way of counteracting the huge distances involved would be to base group games in clusters of local cities; that way the ludicrous distances faced by some teams in South Africa would be shortened. FIFA's Jerome Valcke has already said the plan is to divide Brazil's 12 host cities into four regions to reduce travel times for fans. Closer scrutiny by FIFA of promised transport improvements would be beneficial for all. Earlier this month, LOC chairman Teixiera described Brazil's problems as "airports, airports, airports". The $5.5billion President Lula this week promised to improve them will help, but FIFA needs to make sure the Brazilian government deliver.

Security - 8/10
The problem of outsourcing security to private firms was revealed in the opening week of the 2010 tournament when the company stewarding four of the stadiums was riven by an industrial dispute that saw rounds of plastic ammunition fired at protesters. FIFA and the LOC said it wasn't their problem while handing over security to police who were not well briefed. Overall the policy of filling the streets with as many police as possible worked and there were fewer crime incidents than anyone feared pre-tournament.

The challenge for Brazil
South Africa's security exceeded expectations and will bode well for Brazil, where fans might otherwise have been put off by concerns over crime. To emulate the South Africans, the Brazilian government and LOC will need to beef up their law enforcement and police numbers and make sure everyone is aware of the zero tolerance policy they will surely pursue.

FIFA Fan Fests - 7/10
The FIFA Fan Fests dotted around the host cities in South Africa were well organised and well attended. Fans turned up in their thousands to watch matches on big screens. At the huge gathering points, there was decent catering, themed pre-match entertainment, sponsors tents, official fan merchandise products on sale and a lively atmosphere. Despite pre-game event programs, the cold weather meant that most fans didn't show up too early or stay much after the final whistle - missed revenue opportunities. Nonetheless, more than six million fans came together at the official FIFA Fan Fests, which generated favourable print and broadcast coverage. Their success was down to huge logistical operations and the co-ordination between the key stakeholders FIFA, cities, sponsors and media right licensees. There was a definite appetite for public viewing areas outside South Africa, too. The Fan Fests in six international cities - Rome, Paris, Berlin, Sydney, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro - were a first for the World Cup and hailed a major success. FIFA said average attendance figures of 23,452 spectators per day were recorded at the six venues, and Blatter was delighted that the World Cup had reached more people than ever before.

The challenge for Brazil
The FIFA Fan Fest concept, birthed at Germany 2006, will certainly be expanded in Brazil and internationally for the 2014 edition. Sunny, hot weather during the World Cup in Brazil will make the fan parks a more attractive prospect. Iconic locations will be used in cities around the world - expect double or triple the number of global fan sites. Brazil's LOC will learn from South Africa and should get some tips from the live screenings of the London 2012 Olympics on how to put on a show at the Fan Fests in four years time. The challenge lies in ensuring Brazil's host cities exceed the standards set in South Africa.

Legacy - 8/10
There's no doubting the physical legacy the World Cup has left South Africa, thanks to investment in stadiums and transport infrastructure and in the installation of 52 artificial pitches to support grassroots football. Further investment in the development of South African football is essential if the team is to qualify for the 2014 tournament. The new stadia are a blessing and a burden. Like organisers of the Beijing Olympics, World Cup chiefs have been slow to come up with a post-event strategy to ensure these venues don't haemorrhage money and become white elephants. Some of the venues such as Soccer City, Ellis Park and Durban's multipurpose Moses Mabhida Stadium will not struggle to attract sports and entertainment events. Durban's gleaming venue could even be expanded to become an Olympic stadium if South Africa succeeds in its bid for the 2020 Games. But the future of other venues is unclear. For South Africa, the tournament has also united the country, boosted tourism and infrastructure investment and changed perceptions of the nation. Tourism chiefs estimate the World Cup's economic impact to be worth 10 billion rand ($1.3bn). World Cup CEO Danny Jordaan admits the big challenge now facing South Africa lies in sustaining the momentum provided by its staging of FIFA's flagship competition. South Africa's Olympic chiefs are following this lead, with a bid for the 2020 Olympics likely to come from Durban.

The challenge for Brazil
The 2014 World Cup will radically change the face of the country's stadia landscape, including a revamped Maracana, first built for the 1950 finals. They just have to crack on and build them. Upgraded transport links between the 12 host cities will ensure long-term other legacy benefits. Billions of dollars are earmarked for new and revamped airports - one of the most significant issues for Brazil ahead of the World Cup and the Olympics that follow two years later. An injection of cash from the Brazilian government and FIFA to develop football in poorer parts of the country will come through various initiatives that launch over the next few years.

By INSIDER's James Corbett and Mark Bisson

World Cup 2010 Team Profiles now available in PDF--another INSIDER exclusive!

England Expects by James Corbett -- THE definitive history of the England football team, fully revised and updated. Order here!

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