Brazil and Colombia are the two South American member associations that formally expressed to FIFA their interest in hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cupâ„¢ by the 18 December 2006 deadline.

FIFA is pleased to announce that Tencent Limited is the first Chinese company to sign up as a National Supporter for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2007 in China. Tencent, a leading provider of internet services, is one of up to four companies that will enjoy local rights for the next blue-riband event in women's football, which will kick off on 10 September and conclude in Shanghai on 30 September 2007. The Chinese company will act as exclusive Official Internet Services Provider in its product category.

Fabio Cannavaro and Marta have been crowned FIFA World Player and FIFA Women's World Player respectively for the year 2006. This distinction, a first for each, was bestowed upon the two outstanding players at the 16th FIFA World Player Gala in the Zurich Opera House on 18 December 2006. The Italian was taking part in a FIFA World Player Gala for the first time ever, whereas the Brazilian was putting in her third successive appearance, after coming second in 2005 and third in 2004.

At the 16th FIFA World Player Gala at the Zurich Opera House on 18 December 2006, world football's governing body honoured Italian football legend Giacinto Facchetti, who died this year, with the FIFA Presidential Award 2006. The FIFA Fair Play Award 2006 went to the fans of the FIFA World Cupâ„¢.

Following the judgment passed by a New York court in the MasterCard v. FIFA case on 7 December, FIFA has parted company with its Director of the Marketing & TV Division, Jérôme Valcke, and three other employees in the division, Tom Houseman, Robert Lampman and Stefan Schuster.

FIFA and the International Center for Sports Studies (CIES) delivered on their promise to establish the first sports administration programme as a part of FIFA's "Win in Africa with Africa" initiative when the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar, Senegal recently opened its doors to 52 students for the 2006-2007 academic year.

Football

The FIFA rankings for November put Armenia in the 124th place. As compared to the previous month's rankings Armenia rolled five ranks down the scale. Azerbaijan are immediately ahead of Armenia, 123rd, after having climbed five ranks up since October.