Comment: There are still many who discuss a cultural boycott of Israel because of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians, and especially because of the Israeli blockade of Gaza. If sport is perceived as part of the concept of culture - the so-called extended concept of culture - the discussion about a cultural boycott might have a new and important element. 20 January Israel and the Palestinians formally entered a sporting cooperation towards the London Olympics in 2012.

There is much talk about the weather these days, as it is – as usual – behaving out of the ordinary. There are two ways to approach extreme weather. One is climate initiatives, and the other is to adapt to the weather conditions. In national and international sports, there is increasing talk about the latter.

Many people have been surprised and shocked by the revelations in the WikiLeaks documents currently being distributed by Julian Assange and his fellows. More shocks will probably be in store for those who allow themselves to be shocked.

After the World Cup defeat to Russia, the British press is in the process of examining itself – or rather – of examining FIFA. FIFA is corrupt, is the conclusion of most Englishmen after Russia stole the 2018 World Cup from England and Qatar beat the U.S. for the World Cup in 2022.

Comment: FIFA’s top has chosen hosts that match its own dubious business practices, but it may be too early for them to rejoice

Comment: In the bathroom, during the opening ceremony of the World Cup in South Africa this summer, the North Korean ambassador in Pretoria grabbed hold of the arm of his South Korean counterpart and threatened South Korea with non-specific measures unless Seoul stopped accusing North Korea of sinking the South Korean navy vessel Cheonan. The Cheonan was sunk in March this year and 46 South Koreans died.

Comment: With 25% of the 24 FIFA Executive Committee members allegedly involved in taking bribes, Declan Hills argues in favour of postponing the World Cup decision.

At the NATO summit this weekend, the alliance decided to enter into closer cooperation with Russia and launched 2014 as the year of withdrawal from Afghanistan. 2014 is not any year for Russia; this is the year when the Russian Federation will host the Winter Olympics for the first time. Security is going to be a hot topic in the Olympics. It might therefore be convenient to have a good relationship with NATO.