Spanish FA VP Santana accused of siphoning off money earmarked for new pitches
December 31 – The vice-president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been charged with fraud in the latest corruption scandal to besmirch the federation.
Europe
FAI needs more UEFA help as government cash suspended and banks get twitchy
December 31 – The debt-ridden Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) existence is reported to be under threat because of long-term financial mismanagement.
Rayo Vallecano and Albacete to resume 2nd half behind closed doors after Nazi chanting
December 30 – A Spanish second division match abandoned at half-time after Rayo Vallecano fans chanted that Albacete’s Ukrainian forward Roman Zozulya (pictured) was a ‘Nazi’ is to resume behind closed doors.
Rangers tap into Californian talent in Orange Country
December 30 – Scottish giants Rangers have announced a new partnership with American USL side Orange County SC involving player exchanges between the pair.
PFA demands government racism inquiry as Spurs fans target Chelsea’s Rudiger
December 23 – England’s Professional Footballers’ Association has called for a government inquiry into racism in football after a year of shame was marred by yet another disgraceful incident, with Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger allegedly targeted at his club’s 2-0 derby win at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Italian Super Cup focusses on human rights and commercial self-interest issues. A game was played
By Samindra Kunti
December 23 – Lazio defeated Juventus 3-1 to win the Italian Super Cup, controversially staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, its second season in the country.
England World Cup winner Martin Peters dies, aged 76
By David Owen
December 22 – Martin Peters, who scored England’s second goal in the 4-2 victory over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, has died at the age of 76.
Tense El Clásico marred by Catalan separatist clashes outside Camp Nou
December 19 – Barcelona and Real Madrid drew 0-0 at Camp Nou in El Clásico that failed to live up to its name on the pitch but delivered fierce clashes off it. The hosts remain top of La Liga on goal difference, but the game was overshadowed by cries for Catalan independence and violence outside the stadium, injuring 46 people.
Irish sports ministry unsympathetic to FAI’s plea for €18m to keep it afloat
December 19 – The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has requested an €18 million bailout from the Irish government amid the financial meltdown that is threatening to bankrupt the governing body.
Belgian FA opens up coaching course for it world leading national team stars
December 19 – Eighteen players from the current Belgian squad have enrolled in a custom-made coaching course, devised by the Belgian FA (KBVB) to develop their footballing know how and enhance their coaching prospects.
Serie A apologise for inappropriate ‘monkey’ paintings
December 18 – Serie A has apologised in the wake of the furore over imagery of monkeys being used in artwork for their anti-racism campaign.
Celtic hit with another UEFA firework fine
December 17 – Glasgow giants Celtic have been hit with €16,000 fine by UEFA after fans set off fireworks in their Europa League clash with Lazio in Rome.
Forget global league talk, Champions League last 16 pitches Man City vs Real Madrid
December 16 – Manchester City will have to do it the hard way in their quest to break their Champions League duck and finally land the trophy.
Italian women’s Serie A fast tracked to professionalism with lifting of salary cap
December 16 – A new law in Italy, removing the current salary cap, will allow women players at Serie A Femminile clubs to be paid as full time professionals.
Former FAI boss Delaney under scrutiny over his UEFA role and pay days
By Andrew Warshaw
December 13 – John Delaney, the flamboyant Irishman who strode European football’s corridors of power until being forced to resign as chief executive of his federation (FAI) in March, is still a member of UEFA’s inner circle despite the FAI being in financial meltdown.