Category: International

1966 World Cup (Background and Preparations)

In August 1960, only ten years since first entering the FIFA World Cup – a competition initially dismissed by the FA, which refused invitations to enter the first three tournaments in the 1930s – England was chosen to host the 1966 World Cup Finals, ahead of Spain and West Germany. A then-record 70 nations entered…

By Paul W July 14, 2018 2

World Cup – The Kirov Stadium

As for so many global sporting events, a number of shiny new stadia have been constructed at huge expense in time for this summer’s World Cup, showcasing the wealth of ‘new Russia’. The $1 billion Krestovsky Stadium (Gazprom or Zenit Arena, after St Petersburg’s top club) is reputedly the most expensive of all, opened in…

By Paul W June 16, 2018 2

ConIFA World Football Cup 2018

There is a World Cup taking place in England this summer, without a complimentary Rolex changing hands or a generous donation to an offshore bank account in sight. The Confederation of Independent Football Associations is the governing body for non-FIFA-affiliated Associations – allowing diasporas, ethnic groups, regions and stateless peoples to take part in international…

By Paul W May 31, 2018 3