Indonesian naturalisation plan backed
August 13 – A controversial plan by the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) to recruit players from overseas to play for the national team has been backed by the Government.
Asia
North Korea allegations of abuse to be investigated by FIFA
By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
August 11 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has demanded answers from North Korea after reports that its World Cup squad was publicly humiliated and coach Kim Jong-Hun sentenced to hard labour.
Iraq facing international suspension again after rival factions hold meetings
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July 24 – Iraq is risking suspension from international football for the second time in three years after rival groups trying to wrestle control of the country’s Football Association held elections in separate cities today.
Singapore sets goal of being among top 10 Asian nations
April 15 – Singapore have unveiled a new six-year strategic plan which has set the target of the national team being ranked among the top 10 nations in Asia by 2015.
New head of Chinese FA promises Blatter he will clean-up sport
April 11 – Chinese football will be cleaned-up within a year, the new head of the sport there has promised FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
AFC set up panel to help football in India
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April 2 – A new panel has been set-up by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to help develop the sport in India, it has been announced.
Indonesian conference stops short of calling for Halid to resign
April 1 – Nurdin Halid (pictured), the under-fire chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), appears to have survived the National Football Congress, a conference called by the Government to discuss how to improve the standard of the sport in the country.
Conference on state of Indonesian football opened
March 30 – Indonesia’s President today opened a national football conference reviewing the poor results of the national team and the country’s top football official.
Makudi appeals to Thai red-shirts to leave football alone
March 20 – Worawi Makudi (pictured), the President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and a member of FIFA’s ruling Executive Committee, has appealed to people protesting against the Government not to disrupt the country’s Premier League from taking place.
Iraq reinstated by FIFA
March 19 – FIFA today lifted its suspension on the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) following a compromise agreement over alleged Government interference.
Chung makes a half-million donation to Haiti
By David Owen
February 16 – Dr Chung Mong-Joon (pictured), a South Korean member of FIFA’s ruling Executive Committee and honorary President of his country’s football association, has made a $500,000 (£318,000) donation to Haiti.
Asian reconciliation could see Bin Hammam challenge Blatter
By David Owen
January 25 – Two Asian football heavyweights are said to have drawn a line under their differences, in a move that could have profound consequences for the leadership of the world’s biggest sport.
Iraqi clubs banned from Asian Cup
January 7 – Iraqi clubs have been banned from this year’s Asian Cup, it was announced today.
Worawi sets Robson series of targets for 2010
By Duncan Mackay
January 3 – Worawi Makudi, whose position as President of the Football Association of Thailand (TAF) has been under threat, has signalled his intention to stay in his role by setting out a series of targets for coach, former England captain Bryan Robson (pictured with Worawi), during 2010.
Iranian football official forced to resign over New Year greeting to Israel
January 3 – Mohammad-Manour Azimzadeh (pictured), a senior official in the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), has been forced to resign after a New Year’s greeting email was apparently sent on his behalf to his counterparts in Israel.