The head of FIFA’s inspection team for the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has been banned from football for seven years after it was revealed he asked for favours from Qatar.

Gambling syndicate ‘tried to influence ref’

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill and Northern Ireland counterpart Michael O'Neill were both pleased to avoid four-time winners Italy in today's World Cup play-off draw.

FIFA’s chief ethics investigator was due to meet Qatar 2022 World Cup bid chiefs today as Football Association chairman Greg Dyke called for a re-run of the vote if corruption is proved.

“It’s only full members they’re giving the opportunities to – it may as well be a members’ cup, as opposed to a World Cup.”

Alex Ferguson has thrown his weight behind England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup and the Manchester United manager will play a key role in this week’s visit by FIFA inspectors.

Ireland’s interim coach Michael Bradley has reminded his squad their summer tour could have an impact on their passage through the next World Cup.

Lions legend Bill Beaumont said that full Government support and strong partnerships with the GAA and other sporting bodies will be the key to a successful IRFU bid to stage the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

AM I the only one who is slightly losing track of the allegations and counter allegations being made at the top of world football?

THE New Zealand All Blacks have come out of an unbeaten Tri-Nations series with Australia and South Africa as favourites for the World Cup later this year on the back of a highly-disciplined game plan.

Carlow’s Steve Lennon will cap a meteoric rise when he lines out for the Republic of Ireland tomorrow in his first PDC World Cup of Darts.

We asked three players who have played for Ireland who will win the Women's World Cup...

Not alone was Pogba a standout performer for Les Blues, he was a leader in the squad too.

Ireland will book their spot at next year’s World Cup if they overcome Afghanistan in their final qualifier this morning after Zimbabwe suffered a shock defeat to the UAE in Harare.

The Rugby Football Union, boosted by England’s World Cup success, today announced profits of £13.5m (€19.3m) for the year ending June 30.

Ireland have been drawn in Pool A.

Dan Carter has warned England to beware of “freak” Nemani Nadolo when Fiji visit Twickenham for tomorrow's World Cup opener.

A nation held its breath and then went a bit crazy in 1990 as Ireland beat Romania on penalties to qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.