The World Cup is the biggest sporting even in the world, yet the women’s version of the game is more humble. That however is changing as more and more women are taking to the field professionally.

FIFA organizers have said that the current cap of just 16 teams will be bumped to 24. Having more teams in the World Cup is a sign that the popularity of the game played by women is increasing.

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The decision to change FIFA’s officiating rules comes after France’s Henry deliberatly touched the ball to send France into the lead against Ireland in an important World Cup Qualifying match.

Personally I don’t see what the big deal is in allowing cameras the chance to replay to officials certain plays that come into question or are challenged by the coaches. If it wasn’t for the help of replays Hockey would be very different. If you aren’t going to allow cameras than you need to have more refs on the field. In a game like soccer this isn’t such a big deal since the field is so big, but in a game like hockey of basketball you want to have fewer refs and more TV replay action.

What do you all feel about FIFA decision to amend the reffing rules?

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Yeah their uniforms look like the old sailor suites buy they play like it’s nobody’s business. Hopefully they will be able to keep up their momentum and win another victory for the people of Bordeaux.

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So far there have been 15 arrests made with more expected to follow. Local officials are taking the matter seriously as it could affect Germany’s reputation of not being a safe place to hold world sporting events.

Game fixing in Germany goes way back and isn’t likely to be dissolved overnight. We had the Berlin Summer Olympics of 1936 fixed in favour of German athletes – too bad those plans were thwarted by the United States. We had the Munich Olympics in 1972 where 11 Israelie athletes were also killed by Palastinian terrorists. So at this point Germany really needs to step it up and stop these sports criminals before they get out of hand.

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It has not been officially confirmed as to which of the player’s have contracted the illness, but the rumor is that it is Emmanuel Riviere who is out with it.

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The club’s official statement announcing the news read, “A second member of the St Etienne squad has been affected by swine flu. At the minute he is resting at home after [receiving] treatment.”

Hopefully, the situation does not get too out of hand and they are able to limit the spread of the virus.

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Bordeaux has been trying to stay on the top of the league after winning last years Ligue 1 cup. They have been a tough team for other French teams to play against as they are so determined. When they played the Montreal Impact in a friendly match on July 25 they played to win and didn’t go easy on the team. I just hope they can maintain their momentum for the rest of the season thus proving that they truly are the best team in France.

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The Ebbsfleet United team celebrate their victory over Torquay United after their FA Trophy Final at Wembley football Stadium, London on May 10, 2008.

Members of the MyFootballClub.com go online and discuss the teams success and failures and votes on player positions, lineups and trades. The idea is revolutionary as it allows fans the opportunity to really be involved in their team. Normally, as you know, the decisions are made by the head coach and general managers. This new idea of collectivity opens up new possibilities for the team.

So far the success of this new program is hard to tell. Ebbsfleet United aren’t exactly at the top of their league but they do have a supportive fan base. And at the end of the day isn’t that the most important factor – merchandise and ticket sales. Members also get to vote on the type of food to be served at the stadium.

This new Sports 2.0 concept is not new, but with the help of the internet it has become a viable option to receive the more opinions. The only question that comes to my mind is the fact the old saying “too many chefs spoil the pot”. We’ll just have to wait and see what can come of this new collective competition.

Find out more at MyFootballClub.com and Ebbsfleet United F.C.

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France player Patrice Evra (13) fights for the ball with Serbian player Milos Krasic (17) during Serbia vs France World Cup 2010 group 7 qualifying soccer match at the Marakana Stadium of Belgrade, SERBIA

The decision has not been taken lightly, but something had to be done to curb the growing soccer violence in Serbia. Last week a Frenchman was beaten to death in Sarajevo in what was a soccer fan related incidence. So far one man has been arrested while two more are on the run from the police.

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Siroki Brijeg - Bosnia/Herzegovina

The game played between the two teams was friendly, but what was going on in the streets was anything but. As soon as the train doors opened, Sarajevo fans flooded the streets smashing windows and causing a ruckus. When police were dispatched to suppress the mob violence erupted killing one and injuring 22 people including 12 cops. Police cars were also set ablaze.

The violence comes as no surprise as Siroki Brijeg are for the most part Bosnian Catholic while Sarajevo are Bosnian Muslims. The two groups fought each other in a violent war that lasted three years (1992-1995). Despite the current times of relative peace politicians have still not agreed on constitutional reforms that would appeal to both ethnic groups. The situation is complicated and no one wants to see Bosnia divided further.

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After years of fighting, of games canceled because of invasion, car bombs, sniper attacks or sectarian strife, fans celbrate a goal for Jawiya as they play Shurta in Baghdad, Iraq.

Added security have been called in to reinforce the 21,000 expected visitors. Iraqi officials do not expect any trouble as the fans who are attending represent all of Iraq and not just the city of Irbil. Many have chosen to buy tickets not to support their Irbil team but rather show their support for this mending of ties between neighboring nations.

Although diplomatic ties have been mended between the two countries, Iraq is still responsible for a $15 billion payout to Kuwait for damages caused during the first Gulf War.

The game is being played today so check it out to find out who won.

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