War crimes prosecutor to tackle football corruption

World football governing body FIFA looks set to follow up its promise to root out corruption from the sport by turning to man who has made his name prosecuting war criminals.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, 59, who has been chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, has been nominated for a new role as head of FIFA’s soon to be formed investigative body.

The Argentine lawyer, who made his name pursing war criminals like Congolese rebel leader Charles Lubanga, would be tasked with cleaning up an organisation which has been blighted by scandal in recent years.

Read more: France24

Read more »

Dutch design challenges Fifa's football hijab ban

New design of Hijab for Muslim Girls

A Dutch designer has created a hijab aimed at convincing the world football governing body Fifa to overturn its ban on women wearing headscarves on the pitch.

Players were prevented from wearing the hijab at top levels of the game for safety reasons, and because of rules stating that religious symbols were not allowed.

Critics say the ban promotes inequality at the highest level of the world's most popular game.

The hijab designer Cindy van den Bremen says the hijab's design makes it safe and comfortable:

"What makes Capsters unique is the ready-made design, so you don't need knots or pins to tie it around your head. And it's made in stretchable materials so it's a very comfortable hijab." 

Read more: BBC News

Read more »

Barcelona win Fifa Club World Cup

[ via BBC Sport / Football ] 18 Dec

Barcelona were crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners when they thrashed Brazilian side Santos 4-0 in Japan.

Jubilant Barcelona after lifting the trophy (Photo: Reuters)

The win capped a remarkable year for the Spanish side in which they also won the La Liga title, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup.

Argentine Lionel Messi scored two impressive goals with Xavi and former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas also on target for Barcelona.

The win confirms Barcelona's standing as the best club team in the world.

Read more... 

Read more »

FIFA allows Barcelona to wear T-shirt in support to Villa

[ via Sporty Arena ] 17 Dec

FIFA has announced that it will alow FCBarcelona players to wear T-shirt before tomorrow's final (18th Dec 2011) in support to the injured Barcelona striker David Villa. 

The Barcelona players will wear the shirt before the match against Santos FC. Barcelona will be facing Santos in Clubs World Cup Final.

The Asturian, in Barcelona since Friday, thanked fans on his Facebook page for all the support he’s received. 

Read full story for more.

Read more »

FIFA Chief Sepp Blatter Accuses English football of Having Grudge Against Him

[ Mail Online ] 3 Dec

The FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has accused English football of holding a grudge against him because of their failed 2018 World Cup bid. 

The basis of "grudge" - Award of 2018 World Cup to Russia (Photo  AFP)

Blatter says:

‘The English reckoned football was to come back home. They were sure of winning [the 2018 vote] and they got two votes. Since then, they have been looking for any means to justify their defeat.’ 

Read more »

FIFA allows England team to wear poppy

Full Story: Sporty Arena

FIFA has agreed to allow England team to wear poppies on their black armbands during Saturday's match against Spain at Wembley. The poppy is to be worn to mark the Remembrance Day

As per FIFA rules, no team is allowed to wear any badge to carry political, religious or commercial messages on the players' shirts. The exclusive permission is granted after a written request by Prince Williams and Prime Minister David Cameron. Prince Williams, the Duke of Cambridge, is also the President of Football association (FA).

Read more »