A quartet of state-of-the art, government-built stadia rise out of former marshland in energy-rich Kazakhstan's futuristic capital Astana, but the Central Asian state's soaring sporting ambitions have been shot down by the global oil slump.
A senior FIFA official called into question Michel Platini's bid for football's top job, saying the failure to disclose a multi-million dollar payment could be seen as a "falsification of accounts".
Michel Platini, president of European football body UEFA and suspended amid a huge corruption scandal rocking the game, admitted there was no written contract for remuneration he received from world body FIFA.
UEFA said it supports suspended president Michel Platini's right to defend himself against corruption allegations following an emergency meeting in Nyon, Switzerland.
Luis Suarez and Neymar scored second-half goals to give Barcelona a 3-1 Champions League as the Spaniards became the first team to twice win the European treble.
Real Madrid reached their first Champions League final for 12 years with an historic 4-0 win at Bayern Munich in Tuesday's semi-final, second leg to knock the holders out.