Soccer News & Notes – October 19, 2010

FIFA widens investigation into World Cup vote-selling
Matt Cutler on Tue, 19/10/2010

FIFA has widened its investigation into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Proceedings have already been opened against two executive committee members for allegedly offering to sell their votes but world football’s governing body is also looking at other FIFA officials, and collusion between member associations.

"An investigation has also been opened into the member associations in question as well as their bid committees," read a FIFA statement yesterday. "FIFA has again asked the chairman of the ethics committee to act without delay to take all possible steps, including the possibility of provisional measures, should the relevant conditions be met."

Rumours of collusion between a 2018 bidder and a 2022 hopeful surfaced in September, prompting FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke to warn all countries that mutual voting deals are against FIFA rules.

FIFA is concerned that any agreement between member associations would be "clear violation of the bid registration document".

An undercover investigation by The Sunday Times alleged that Amos Adamu, a Nigerian member of FIFA’s executive committee and president of the West African Football Union, asked for $800,000 to endorse one of the bid candidates. It also reported that Tahiti’s Reynald Temarii, a FIFA vice-president and president of the Oceania Football Confederation, wanted NZ$3 million ($2.3 million) for a sports academy in exchange for a vote.

FIFA’s 24-strong executive committee will decide which countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups on December 2 in Zurich.

Source: www.sportbusiness.com

Russia bid launches broadside against England
Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Alexei Sorokin, the head of Russia’s bid to host the World Cup in 2018, has courted controversy by highlighting London’s "high crime rate" and youth alcohol problems in an interview with a Russian sports daily. Sorokin’s outburst will receive close scrutiny since FIFA bidding rules forbid bidding countries from denigrating their opponents.

Sorokin reportedly told the Sport Express: "We do not enter into squabbles, although we have much to say. It’s no secret, for example, that in London they have the highest crime rate compared with other European cities, and the highest level of alcohol consumption among young people."

He also defended accusations of racism in Russian football by stating: "We could have a conversation about the lack of tolerance and the inciting of ethnic hatred by English fans. But we do not behave like someone who is always saying bad things about their neighbours."

In the interview, Sorokin drew attention to Manchester United fans’ protests against their owners, the Glazer family, where they burned an American flag at Old Trafford.

Source: Soccer Ex Business Daily

EPL trio confirmed for 2011 Asia Trophy in Hong Kong
Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Premier League’s Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers will take on the champions of Hong Kong in the Asia Trophy knockout competition next year.

The event will take place at the Hong Kong Stadium over two matchdays on July 27 and 30. A final will determine the winner and there will be a play-off for third place.

The Asia Trophy, which has been held every two years since 2003, is the only Premier League-affiliated competition to be held outside of England. It was staged in Beijing in 2009.

"We are fortunate to have such a fantastic following in Hong Kong and we look forward to reacquainting ourselves with old friends," said Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore.

Source: Soccer Ex Business Daily