Qatar builds its tourism on back of World Cup investment
February 14 – Tourism is being given a massive facelift in Qatar as the country continues to build its infrastructure ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Asia
AFC set May date for Congress and elections
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
February 11 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has selected May 2 for the date of its highly anticipated extraordinary Congress that will elect a new leader in succession to Mohamed bin Hammam and herald what officials hope will be the start of a new era of trust and credibility.
India opens its doors to brave new football world
Sobaclieu.com
February 7 – If confirmation were needed that India’s football is intent on raising its profile, then the New Delhi conference ‘Goal 2013 India Football’, 14-15 February , will likely provide it.
Shanghai Shenhua claim Drogba is still their player
January 30 – Shanghai Shenhua have issued a statement on their website claiming that Didier Drogba is still under contract at the Chinese club, two days after the announcement he had signed for Turkish club Galatasaray.
FIFA extends Indonesia sanction deadline as festive gesture
By Andrew Warshaw
December 17 – FIFA has given Indonesia one final chance to put its house in order in what President Sepp Blatter described as a “Christmas gift”.
Indonesian Government appoints football task force as FIFA ban looms
By Tom Degun
December 12 – The Indonesian Government has formed a football task force in a last-ditch attempt to avoid a FIFA suspension following a major row between two rival soccer factions in the country.
Bin Hammam ban extended while Garcia report reviewed
By Andrew Warshaw
December 7 – Twenty four hours before it was due to expire, the latest 45-day suspension of former FIFA vice-president Mohamed Bin Hammam, who has been out of football for 18 months, was again extended today but left open-ended after FIFA-appointed prosecutors completed their investigation into alleged malpractice by the once most powerful figure in Asian football.
FIFA gives Indonesia deadline to resolve rifts or face sanctions
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – FIFA has given rival Indonesian football factions until Monday (December 10) to end their in-fighting or face suspension from the world game, according to local reports.
FIFPro slams Indonesia following death of Paraguayan player
By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – The death from a routine virus of Diego Mendieta, a Paraguayan player based in Indonesia, has outraged the international players’ union, FIFPro.
Park hit with ban and fine following London 2012 political protest
By Andrew Warshaw
December 3 – South Korea’s Park Jong-Woo, whose political protest sparked a diplomatic row with Japan at the London 2012 Olympics, has been banned for two games by FIFA and fined 3,500 Swiss francs (£2,400/$3,800/€2,900), football’s world governing body said today.
Exclusive: AFC officials throw out proposed ethics task force
By Andrew Warshaw
November 30 – Reformers within Asian football have been left shocked and disappointed after their campaign to heal deep-rooted rifts and crack down on corruption was dismissed by the Continent’s top brass.
Gaza conflict damages vital sporting infrastructure
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – The recent hostilities in Gaza have spilled over into the football arena with pro-Palestinian representatives criticising Israel’s military offensive, which is claimed to have damaged vital sporting infrastructure.
Exclusive: Bitter Asian divisions threaten to scupper reforms
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – The bitter political in-fighting at the heart of Asian football comes to a head tomorrow in a make-or-break showdown designed to heal the rifts and bring about desperately needed stability.
Israel cancels fixtures as Gaza fighting continues
By Andrew Warshaw
November 16 – Sport has once again become an unwitting victim of military activity after Israel called off two Premier League fixtures set for tomorrow due to the ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Qatar to host FIFA 2013 Beach Soccer World Cup Asian qualifiers
By Tom Degun at the Aspire Dome in Doha
November 13 – Qatar’s capital, Doha, has been confirmed to host the Asian qualifying rounds of the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.