Canada avoids U.S., Mexico in decent World Cup draw 30 Jul 2011 If Canada qualifies out of round two of the CONCACAF qualifiers, it knows that it won’t have to face continental powerhouses United States and Mexico in round three.
TFC’s busy day: Gargan sent to Fire; Marosevic signed; more proof of Aleman’s Vancouver move 28 Jul 2011 After informing Dan Gargan he was no longer part of the team’s plans earlier this week, Toronto FC sent the defender and a second-round pick to the Chicago Fire for veteran fullback Dasan Robinson.
Warner is out. So, where does CONCACAF go from here? 20 Jun 2011 So, in the end, the “football tsunami” that Jack Warner had promised never came to pass. One of the most controversial figures in the soccer world went out quietly Monday, as Warner resigned from all of his posts — including his vice presidency of FIFA and his presidency of CONCACAF — in exchange for the continued presumption of innocence.
Morals vs. politics: Why Canada won’t stand against Blatter 1 Jun 2011 But, despite all of the scandals at FIFA heaquarters in Zurich and at CONCACAF, it would have been difficult for the Canadian Soccer Association to add its voice to England’s calls for a delay. Because the ballot was held in secret, the CSA will never need to tell us if it was one of those 17 nations that called for the delay. But, we know that at no time did Canada add its voice to England’s in challenging the Blatter coronation.
FIFA’s lack of transparency all too evident in latest scandal 30 May 2011 That’s the rub. The crackdown on corruption in FIFA can’t be taken seriously until FIFA allows someone else to do it. Damaseb spoke of bringing in some top legal minds from around the world as the investigation continues; he praised the fact that Robert Torres, who sat on the disciplinary committee, is the Chief Supreme Court Justice of Guam in his day job. But, Damaseb stressed that, no matter what legal opinions it gets, FIFA will always control the investigation. Just as FIFA forbids political and/or judicial interference in the matters of national associations, it doesn’t want to be judged by, well, a judge.
Blatter claims there is no crisis at FIFA 30 May 2011 “We are not in a crisis,” said Blatter in a press conference Monday from FIFA headquarters. “We are having some difficulties.” Blatter spent the better part of 45 minutes ducking and dodging questions from journalists. When two-part questions were asked, he insisted on answering only one. When questions were asked about FIFA’s reputation, he spoke of gambling in the game. When asked about reforming FIFA, he spoke of zero tolerance for abuse of officials on the field.
Coup at CONCACAF? Blazer tags Warner, Bin Hammam with bribery allegations 25 May 2011 Less than a month away from the Gold Cup, it looks as if a civil war is brewing within CONCACAF.
CSA, FIFA to work together on inquiry into alleged CSL match-fixing 13 May 2011 Canadian soccer followers will have to wait for the German courts to wrap up their match-fixing trials before we have any definitive answers over allegations a 2009 CSL match between the Trois-Rivieres Attak and Toronto Croatia was rigged. “The Canadian Soccer Association is taking the lead on the matter and will be working with FIFA,” said CSL chairman Vincent Ursini. “They are waiting for the German court case to complete its findings.”
FIFA’s letter to The 11 on the Alberta debate 15 Apr 2011 FIFA, in response to a query by The 11, has stated its policies on government interference into soccer. The letter is published, unedited, in full.
FIFA threats take effect: Contentious Alberta reform proposal taken off the table 15 Apr 2011 The 11 has learned that notice has been given to kill a a proposed resolution that would have deleted Article 32 from the Alberta Soccer Association’s bylaws, and allowed for the courts to rule on the longstanding battle over the leadership of the ASA. The Edmonton Interdistrict Youth Soccer Association, which had given notice it would table a motion at Saturday’s ASA annual general meeting to delete the bylaw, has written a letter stating it will withdraw that plan.