FIFA leadership, carnival and training refugees
Here are the stories we’re following the week of February 15:
Monday
The largest carnival celebration in Switzerland gets underway in Basel, when legions of masked drummers and brass players take to the streets at the stroke of 4am. The party continues for three days, with parades, costumes and the famous “Schnitzelbängg” comedy troupes roaming the city.
Tuesday
Outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter appeals his eight-year ban from football-related activities that was imposed on December 21. Blatter denies any wrongdoing surrounding a CHF2 million ($2.05 million) payment to the head of UEFA, Michel Platini, which resulted in his ban. Platini, who was also banned for eight years, will have heard his appeal on Monday. In both cases, FIFA’s appeal committee could decide to increase the punishment.
Wednesday
Former FIFA insider Guido Tognoni tells swissinfo.ch which candidate for the FIFA presidency presents the most realistic chance of imposing reform on the scandal-plagued world governing body of football. He gives his exclusive candid appraisal of the five candidates who want to take over the helm at FIFA’s extraordinary congress on February 26.
Friday
Ten years after piloting an apprenticeship programme for refugees, the government has rubber-stamped rolling this initiative out on a wider scale. We spoke to recipients to find out how much it helped.
What you may have missed last week:
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