In news that can perhaps be filed under “Yet More Evidence That The Pope Is a Committed Catholic”, the World Anti-Doping Agency has released a 325-page report accusing the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) of sending athletes to the 2012 London Olympics that it complicity encouraged to use performance enhancing drugs. The report calls for Russia to be banned from the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The FIFA Golden Boy award shortlist was announced and, surprisingly, it foretells of a European continent dominated by England, Belgium and, more traditionally, Spain.
With a whopping five nominations from each of these countries - the award is given to the U-21 player who displays the highest footballing prowess - the tides appear to be turning in Europe.
Since its inception in FIFA 08, FIFA Pro Club mode (a.k.a “Be a Pro”) has given players of the game the option to break away from the traditional soccer scenario where they control 11 individuals and instead control their own personal player during matches.
The mode has somewhat lost steam over the years, but still remains one of the games more desirable plays due to its replay value.
Sharpen your proverbial knives, unabashedly flaunt your club allegiances and, if you’re Javier Mascherano, pray that Roy Hodgson has spent the year canvassing for your cause. It’s the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or shortlist!
News of a Sepp Blatter suspension broke today as the FIFA Ethics committee recommended that the current president of FIFA be suspended for 90 days.
According to Sky Sports reporter Paul Kelso, the investigations arm of the FIFA Ethics Committee has recommended as punishment for FIFA President Sepp Blatter suspension served over 90 days. The suspension still needs to be confirmed by judge Hans Joachim Eckert, the chairman of FIFA's adjudicatory chamber.
Ninety days is the longest suspension the committee is able to hand down during their investigation of Blatter, Sky Sports reported.
UK-based journalist Rob Harris has tweeted that FIFA has confirmed that the Qatar World Cup will be played in the winter, from November 21st to December 28th. Lasting just 28 days, it will be three days shorter than a normal World Cup.
CONFIRMED: FIFA decides 2022 World Cup in Qatar will start November 21 & to be played in just 28 days. Final on Dec 18, Qatar National Day
Sepp Blatter is facing criminal proceedings from the Swiss Attorney General, the Swiss government announced Thursday.
The proceeding stem from interactions Blatter had with former CONCACAF head Jack Warner, who faces chargest from the United States government.
He also faces criminal proceedings from payments made to Michel Platini, the current head of UEFA and front-runner to replace Blatter as president of FIFA.
Here's the full statement from the Swiss government:
As if there was ever a dull moment in the world of FIFA these days; issues revolving around the 2018 and 2022 World Cups continue to get worse. The laborers involved with constructing the Russian World Cup stadiums have come out saying they haven’t been paid for their work in months.
Can’t wait for the latest installment of EA Sports hit game FIFA? Neither can we, and the wait is becoming that much harder after watching the newest trailer for FIFA 16 featuring their ‘Sights and Sounds’ improvement.