High-profile matches at next year's World Cup tournament in Brazil "may effectively be played over four periods rather than two," following FIFA's endorsement of additional "cooling" breaks to protect the health of players. With a number of matches at the 2014 World Cup, including two quarterfinals, scheduled to kick off at 1pm, there "seems every chance that such breaks will be implemented from time to time at FIFA's flagship tournament" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 10/7). ... FIFA President Sepp Blatter "is aiming to join forces" with the IOC to urge the Brazilian Government "to do its utmost to ensure the country's new doping control facility is operational, and duly accredited, before next year's World Cup" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 10/7). ... Clubs which supply squad members for teams qualifying for the 2014 World Cup can "look forward to receiving" about $2,800 a day "for each player selected." The figure "represents a substantial increase" from the $1,600 per player per day paid by FIFA after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 10/7). ... With the A-League season starting on Friday, Football Federation Australia "forecasts a profit for its activities" in the '14 financial year due to "an increase in broadcasting revenue and sponsorship." FFA CEO David Gallop said, "We're forecasting a surplus for 2014 and for the first time we won't have a members deficit on the balance sheet" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 10/7). ... Key officials behind Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup "have maintained that the remaining venues will be delivered on time" as FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke "prepares to make his latest visit to the country this week" (SOCCEREX, 10/7). ... Football Federation Victoria's bid to press ahead with the launch of its National Premier League elite state competition next season "has run into a roadblock after a legal challenge referred the issue to the Supreme Court." Chief Magistrate Peter Lauritsen granted the application of two FFV zone representatives "who have links to a large number of clubs opposing the creation of the new competition in the form FFV wishes, to bring the matter to the highest court in the state" (THE AGE, 10/8).
