Fans are being warned not to sign up for expensive tickets on World Cup corporate packages.
FIFA have insisted that supporters could face being locked out of games despite spending thousands on luxury trips to Qatar. Ticket resale sites are pumping out seats as well as luxury travel operators offering deals on England games as well as knock-out matches, including the final.
But fans’ groups have received warnings from world football’s governing body that they should only buy match tickets from official FIFA outlets. Qatar organisers have already shut down ticketing websites offering packages and warned that they could block them from being used with the Hayya World Cup app on mobile phones.
They are anxious to avoid any repeat of the chaos at the Champions League final in Paris last season and any threat of fake or unlicensed tickets.
FIFA told fans in a warning to supporter groups: “Tickets obtained from any source that is not expressly authorised by FIFA are not valid and will not be accepted.”
Martinez to mull over Belgium future
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez will make a decision on his future after the World Cup. Former Everton and Wigan boss Martinez, 49, has made no secret of his desire to return to club football in the future and his deal with Belgium express after Qatar.
That could mean a return at some point to the Premier League for one of the most likeable and impressive managers at the World Cup. Belgium have been blessed with their own golden generation and, while they have not won a trophy under Martinez’s six year reign, they have undoubtedly improved.
Martinez has also overseen a new training set-up, talent identification programme and Belgium would like him to stay. He recently added ex-Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen to his staff and there is a clear long term path and legacy.
Tyrese Hall next Spurs star
Tyrese Hall is a name worth keeping an eye on at Tottenham. Attacking midfielder Hall, who turned 17 in September, has already trained with the first team, scored 16 goals in all competitions and made his debut in the UEFA Youth League against Sporting Lisbon this season.
But perhaps what has really caught the eye is that, at a time when boot companies have really cut back on deals for even the biggest players, Nike have signed him up to a long term agreement.
Hall has gone under the radar so far but has a bright future and the boot deal only underlines his big potential for club and country.
Karen Carney's busy World Cup
Karen Carney will be one of the busiest pundits at the World Cup. Former England star Carney, one of the best TV experts, will be part of ITV ’s coverage but also on Sky Sports News as one of their voices from Qatar.
Sky do not have rights from the World Cup but still use frontline experts and pundits and yet they want some big names at the tournament. Gary Neville is going for ITV and beIN Sports but Jamie Carragher has not been confirmed as going.
Many leading club executives are also staying away from the tournament. There is normally no shortage of Prem execs at a World Cup to network and be present for FIFA get-togethers but there is no sense of that this time.
Independent regulator
A year on from Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review into football and push for an independent regulator, we are still waiting for anything to be decided.
The Premier League clubs have discussed proposals under a New Deal agreement which would see some sort of transfer levy imposed to help EFL clubs.
The first some people at the EFL heard about the latest Prem idea was when they saw it on TV and read it in the papers. A transfer levy will not be enough for the EFL and to keep some clubs afloat.
But after former Prime Minister Liz Truss looked set to torpedo an independent regulator, football is waiting to see Rishi Sunak's attitude while a new Labour Government would be fully committed to embracing Crouch’s recommendations.
John Yems hearing next week
Former Crawley Town boss John Yems will finally get his FA hearing next week.
Yems, 63, left Crawley last season and was later charged by the FA over allegations of discrimination which he strenuously denies and the two most serious accusations have already been dropped.
