David Triesman's alleged comments about England's rival bidders for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup are to come under further scrutiny after football's world governing body announced this evening that the FIFA ethics committee will investigate the statements.

FIFA are considering postponing the decision on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups as they investigate allegations that two senior members offered to sell their votes.

President Trump is "supportive" of the bid and had "encouraged" it.

The Ireland Women's management team have confirmed that captain Niamh Briggs has been ruled out of the Women's Rugby World Cup, writes Ciara Phelan.

Support in Sport, the Irish firm that provides sports pitches around the world, hopes to benefit from the World Cup finals next year.

Arsene Wenger today insisted it was a “mistake” not to name Arsenal captain Thierry Henry as European Player of the Year – and that the World Cup was “lowest level” of football.

The seven Rugby World Cup matches due to be played in earthquake-hit Christchurch will be moved to other venues in New Zealand, tournament organisers have announced.

Jamie Spencer will be replaced on Crowded House by John Velazquez in the 10million Dubai World Cup at Meydan later this month.

The ramifications of Ireland’s loss to South Africa presented themselves in more than just the bumps and bruises littering the squad yesterday.

Australia have been placed in a super pool with England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea for the group stages of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

You’ve heard of the World Cup song. But how about the World Cup play-off song.

Martin Skrtel is expected to be fit for Slovakia’s opening World Cup match against New Zealand.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is due to name his squad today for the World Cup play-offs against France.

RTÉ will be showing the second leg of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup playoff in Paris tomorrow, the station has confirmed.

France midfielder Abou Diaby – who had been troubled by a calf injury has pulled out of the second leg of France’s World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland, it was confirmed today.

Ireland hope to discover today whether they will be allowed to replay their World Cup clash with France.

Thierry Henry has sent a tweet to his Twitter page saying simply: "I'm not the referee... but if I hurt someone I'm sorry", in an apparent reference to last night's handball preceding France's winning goal that sent Les Bleus into the World Cup.

Football officials today denied reports that North Korean labourers were working on football stadiums across South Africa in preparation for the World Cup.

Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has been ruled out of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier in Italy.

Robin van Persie has pulled out of the Holland squad for tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against FYR Macedonia through injury.