http://www.mail.com/in-en/subjects/2226-fifa-world-cup.html Mail.com - the best personalized free web-based Email en en http://sec-s.uicdn.com/mail.com/2.28/img/mailcom_logo_rss.png http://www.mail.com/in-en/subjects/2226-fifa-world-cup.html http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2091720-column-love-hate-beckham-ignored.html Like his former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, David Beckham has picked the right time and best way to retire — as a winner and before the worst ravages of age became painfully apparent. It always was a stretch to believe that Beckham, at 38, would or should sign up again with Paris Saint-Germain for what would have been his 22nd season of professi... Thu, 16 May 2013 21:48:10 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2091720-column-love-hate-beckham-ignored.html 2013-05-16T21:48:10Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2090272-beckham-to-retire-football-season.html LONDON (AP) — David Beckham is retiring from soccer, ending a career in which he transcended the sport with forays into fashion and a marriage to a pop star that made him a global celebrity. The 38-year-old former England captain, who recently won a league title in a fourth country with Paris Saint-Germain, said Thursday he will retire after the season. "... Thu, 16 May 2013 17:15:13 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2090272-beckham-to-retire-football-season.html 2013-05-16T17:15:13Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2090780-ups-downs-david-beckhams-career.html LONDON (AP) — Some up and downs in the career of David Beckham, who said Thursday he would retire from football at the end of the season: Up: Signs professional contract with Manchester United in 1993 and helps team win Premier League-FA Cup double in 1996. United wins league title again a year later. Down: Gets red ... Thu, 16 May 2013 16:24:44 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2090780-ups-downs-david-beckhams-career.html 2013-05-16T16:24:44Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2087604-blatter-rational-to-play-wcup-qatar-summer.html LONDON (AP) — Playing the 2022 World Cup in the searing summer heat of Qatar is "not rational and reasonable," FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in a newspaper interview. Despite health concerns included in an official report before the vote, the FIFA executive committee opted for the tiny emirate's bid in 2010. Blatter has repeatedly refused to say if he ... Wed, 15 May 2013 17:25:46 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2087604-blatter-rational-to-play-wcup-qatar-summer.html 2013-05-15T17:25:46Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2086914-swiss-to-crack-business-sports-bribery.html GENEVA (AP) — The Swiss government wants to broaden its anti-corruption laws to make bribery a criminal offense in almost all cases. The move follows criticism from anti-graft advocates who claim Switzerland doesn't do enough to prevent bribery by businesses and international sports organizations based in the Alpine country. The Cabinet on Wednesday propo... Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:20 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2086914-swiss-to-crack-business-sports-bribery.html 2013-05-15T11:15:20Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2060634-blatter-urges-asia-to-seek-world-cup-places.html KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — FIFA President Sepp Blatter urged Asian football authorities on Friday to push for more World Cup berths at the expense of Europe and South America, an issue which could help his own re-election prospects. Blatter said "we have to have a better balance" because the two most powerful continents could provide 19 of the 32 teams... Fri, 03 May 2013 11:14:24 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2060634-blatter-urges-asia-to-seek-world-cup-places.html 2013-05-03T11:14:24Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2059280-pirlo-to-quit-italy-team-2014-world-cup.html TURIN, Italy (AP) — Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo says he will quit the Italian national team after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Pirlo has made 97 appearances for Italy since making his debut against Azerbaijan in 2002, and helped the Azzurri to the 2006 World Cup title. At the presentation of his autobiography "I think therefore I play" on Thursday, P... Thu, 02 May 2013 19:37:19 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2059280-pirlo-to-quit-italy-team-2014-world-cup.html 2013-05-02T19:37:19Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2053014-clumsy-sepp-blatter-cleared-wrongdoing.html Despite being labeled "clumsy" for his part in one of FIFA's biggest corruption scandals, Sepp Blatter was cleared of any criminal or unethical wrongdoing in a case involving millions of dollars in bribes for World Cup contracts. The reputation of Blatter's predecessor as FIFA president, Joao Havelange, was further damaged, however. The 96-year-old Brazil... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:30:35 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2053014-clumsy-sepp-blatter-cleared-wrongdoing.html 2013-04-30T14:30:35Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2051490-blatter-secure-captain-fifas-ship.html GENEVA (AP) — Borrowing a favorite Sepp Blatter phrase, he seems a happy FIFA president. Blatter will attend the Asian Football Confederation elections this week in Malaysia and his endorsement is eagerly sought by candidates to replace deposed former rival Mohamed bin Hammam as president and FIFA executive committee member. Counting d... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:46:23 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2051490-blatter-secure-captain-fifas-ship.html 2013-04-29T17:46:23Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2044040-dictators-wcup-title-italy-argentina.html ZURICH (AP) — Football's biggest prize may have twice been won with the help of dictators fixing matches for the host team. Argentina's triumph in 1978 and Italy's 1934 victory were said to be influenced by military leaders seeking propaganda coups, delegates were told Thursday at a symposium entitled "The Relevance and Impact of FIFA World Cups." ... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:10:07 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2044040-dictators-wcup-title-italy-argentina.html 2013-04-25T16:10:07Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2039416-nicolas-leoz-leaves-fifa-executive-committee.html GENEVA (AP) — FIFA executive committee member Nicolas Leoz of Paraguay resigned Tuesday, citing health reasons, just days before rulings are expected to be announced in a World Cup kickbacks investigation. FIFA said the 84-year-old Leoz confirmed his departure by letter, and that he would also step down as president of CONMEBOL, the South American footbal... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:02:40 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2039416-nicolas-leoz-leaves-fifa-executive-committee.html 2013-04-23T21:02:40Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2028762-column-kiss-goodbye-to-football-we.html PARIS (AP) — Kiss goodbye to football as we know it. In getting machines to help men spot when goals are scored, football is making a mistake. This pact with the devil of goal-line technology will come at a cost to the sport's soul. Policed solely by humans, football can offer lessons on life for those prepared to listen. ... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:30:12 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2028762-column-kiss-goodbye-to-football-we.html 2013-04-18T17:30:12Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2028264-fifa-declares-libya-safe-to-host-wcup-qualifiers.html ZURICH (AP) — FIFA authorized Libya to host World Cup qualifying matches, saying Thursday the country is safe enough for its first international home games since the uprising which ousted Moammar Gadhafi. "FIFA has decided to reauthorize matches in Libya," the governing body said, after the Confederation of African Football previously recommended approval... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:10:07 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2028264-fifa-declares-libya-safe-to-host-wcup-qualifiers.html 2013-04-18T15:10:07Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2025786-sp-warns-russia-high-costs-2018-world-cup.html MOSCOW (AP) — Many of the Russian cities hosting the 2018 World Cup will have trouble finding the money to build soccer stadiums and improve transit links and other infrastructure, the Standard & Poor's ratings agency has warned. Seven of the 11 Russian host cities will have to borrow money or receive much more support from the federal government than is ... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:38:40 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2025786-sp-warns-russia-high-costs-2018-world-cup.html 2013-04-17T18:38:40Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/news/world/2023468-boston-bombs-raise-worries-olympics-world-cup.html LONDON (AP) — From London to Sochi to Rio de Janeiro, the deadly bomb attacks on the Boston Marathon raised new concerns Tuesday over safety at major sports events around the world, including the Olympics and World Cup. The twin bombings near the marathon finish line that killed three people and injured more than 170 people brought into sharp focus the se... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:29:16 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/news/world/2023468-boston-bombs-raise-worries-olympics-world-cup.html 2013-04-17T00:29:16Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2015592-fifa-sets-august-nireland-vs-russia.html ZURICH (AP) — FIFA says Russia will play Northern Ireland in a twice-postponed World Cup qualifier on Aug. 14 in Belfast. Russia had been scheduled to host Argentina on that date in a friendly in Moscow. FIFA says it agreed to the rescheduled World Cup date after meeting with officials from Northern Ireland and Russia on Wednesday. ... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:12:44 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2015592-fifa-sets-august-nireland-vs-russia.html 2013-04-12T13:12:44Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2012914-epl-to-use-hawk-eye-spain-germany-stall-tech.html MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The English Premier League on Thursday became the first national competition in world football to approve the use of goal-line technology, with Hawk-Eye being deployed at stadiums from next season. The Spanish and German leagues, however, said they would hold off from giving referees high-tech aids for at least two years, while ... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:41:10 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2012914-epl-to-use-hawk-eye-spain-germany-stall-tech.html 2013-04-11T22:41:10Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2012880-russia-aims-laws-fan-problem-2018-wcup.html MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Russia's World Cup organizers are hoping that new laws will help to prevent disorderly fans from marring the tournament in 2018. World Cup director Alexander Djordjadze told the SoccerEx conference in Manchester on Thursday that with "extreme ultra behavior in the stands" remaining a "big concern for the entire football family i... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:31:50 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2012880-russia-aims-laws-fan-problem-2018-wcup.html 2013-04-11T16:31:50Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2012594-croatia-4th-fifa-rankings-brazil-to-19.html ZURICH (AP) — Croatia made a big move to No. 4 in the FIFA rankings after two World Cup qualifying wins, and tournament host Brazil dropped to No. 19 on Thursday. World and European champion Spain led an unchanged top three, ahead of Germany and Argentina, after a busy month of World Cup qualifying. Croatia's victories over Serbia and Wales lifted it five... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:38:14 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2012594-croatia-4th-fifa-rankings-brazil-to-19.html 2013-04-11T09:38:14Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2010046-fifa-charges-eq-guinea-ineligible-player.html ZURICH (AP) — Equatorial Guinea faces being stripped of a World Cup qualifying victory against Cape Verde for fielding an ineligible player. FIFA said on Wednesday it opened a disciplinary case against the football federation of Equatorial Guinea, after its 4-3 win in Malabo on March 24. None of the Equatorial Guinea starting lineup was born there, though... Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:27:34 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2010046-fifa-charges-eq-guinea-ineligible-player.html 2013-04-10T11:27:34Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/entertainment/lifestyle/2010126-ebu-tv-rights-wcup-euro-qualifying.html MANCHESTER, England (AP) — UEFA's marketing partner has sold television rights to qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup and 2016 European Championship to the European Broadcasting Union. UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino says the deal struck by CAA Eleven covers 30 European countries. The EBU then has to split the games with its member broadcast... Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:29:48 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/entertainment/lifestyle/2010126-ebu-tv-rights-wcup-euro-qualifying.html 2013-04-10T09:29:48Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2005788-english-fa-finds-evidence-racism-fans.html LONDON (AP) — The English Football Association will report to FIFA that it has found no evidence of racist chanting toward Rio and Anton Ferdinand by England fans during a World Cup qualifier against San Marino last month. A complaint was made to FIFA by anti-racism group FARE following reports supporters sang during the March 22 game that the Ferdinand b... Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:56:45 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2005788-english-fa-finds-evidence-racism-fans.html 2013-04-08T16:56:45Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2001004-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-clean-fixing.html ZURICH (AP) — FIFA's top investigator believes the 2014 World Cup qualifying program has been clean of match-fixing after more than 500 matches played so far. "Up to now we don't have any leads that any match has been thrown," FIFA security director Ralf Mutschke told The Associated Press on Friday. "We are also confident that nothing will happen through... Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:48:38 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/2001004-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-clean-fixing.html 2013-04-05T18:48:38Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1998126-fifa-hosts-safrica-officials-match-fixing-case.html GENEVA (AP) — Allegations that South Africa's warm-up matches before hosting the 2010 World Cup were fixed will be discussed with the country's sports minister and top football official at FIFA on Friday. FIFA said Thursday that its secretary general Jerome Valcke is meeting Minister of Sports Fikile Mbalula and South African Football Association Presiden... Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:38:26 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1998126-fifa-hosts-safrica-officials-match-fixing-case.html 2013-04-04T16:38:26Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1984194-uefa-urges-players-to-speak-racism.html SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — UEFA wants players to speak out against their own teammates and fans following a series of racist incidents at football matches. The executive committee of European football's ruling body also called for tougher sanctions on Thursday, hours before a European fans' monitoring group, Fare, said it sent FIFA reports of "racist or xenop... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:04:26 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1984194-uefa-urges-players-to-speak-racism.html 2013-03-28T18:04:26Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1984792-roma-captain-francesco-totti-wants-contract.html ROME (AP) — Roma captain Francesco Totti is hoping to renew his contract with the club as soon as possible and has not ruled out making an Italy comeback for next year's World Cup. Totti has spent his entire career at Roma, and there was a party atmosphere at the club's training ground Thursday as players celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Serie A deb... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:36:17 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1984792-roma-captain-francesco-totti-wants-contract.html 2013-03-28T17:36:17Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1982868-asian-leader-wants-europe-to-push-winter-wcup.html ZURICH (AP) — European football leaders should urge FIFA to move the World Cup in Qatar to cooler winter months, according to an Asian Football Confederation presidential candidate. Yousuf al-Serkal told The Associated Press on Wednesday that influential power brokers in Europe could lead the debate, which has intensified more than two years after FIFA ch... Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:37:38 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1982868-asian-leader-wants-europe-to-push-winter-wcup.html 2013-03-27T20:37:38Z http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1983096-barcelonas-pedro-10-days-with-leg-injury.html BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez will be sidelined for 10 days and miss the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals after injuring his leg while playing for Spain in a World Cup qualifier. The Catalan club said Wednesday that "tests have confirmed that the player has small muscle fiber tears" in his left leg. Pedro scored ... Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:23:51 GMT http://www.mail.com/in-en/sports/soccer/1983096-barcelonas-pedro-10-days-with-leg-injury.html 2013-03-27T20:23:51Z