Cisse questioned by police over Valbuena sex tape blackmail
October 14 – Former Liverpool forward Djibril Cisse is at the centre of a blackmail investigation in France having been taken into custody and then released.
World Football
Belgium break through to top FIFA rankings and earn big-money friendlies
By Samindra Kunti
October 14 – Last night Belgium’s ascendency to the top of world football culminated in an unprecedented number one spot on the FIFA ranking with a 3-1 win over Israel in Brussels. The result also ensured Belgium will be seeded at the EURO2016’s final draw in the French capital in December. In November the Red Devils will face Italy in Kuwait in a friendly.
Dortmund tops Euro attendance table followed by Barca and Man Utd
By Paul Nicholson
October 14 – Fan attendances at top division matches in Germany, France and Spain have increased for the opening games of this season compared to last. But in Italy and France matchday attendances have dropped, according to data from Benchmark Sports, the data and analysis arm of KPMG’s Sports practice. Overall the ‘big five’ leagues have a combined attendance increase of 1.3%.
IFA heads into the heart of FIFA with Zurich conference
October 13 – Football business execs who want to experience the eye of the FIFA storm first hand should book a trip to the International Football Arena (IFA) conference in Zurich which will take place at FIFA House, November 19.
Police kill two in Somaliland as they fire into crowd after pitch invasion
By Mark Baber
October 13 – A regional football match between Awdal and Marodi Jeh at Haji Dahir stadium in Borama, Somaliland, quickly descended into violence on Sunday as a dispute over a penalty decision led to a small-scale crowd invasion and police responded with automatic weapons fire, reportedly killing one and injuring others, one of whom died of his wounds.
Euro support for Platini stutters as it emerges SFr2m contract was verbal
By Andrew Warshaw
October 13 – Revelations that Michel Platini had no written contract over the SFr2m Swiss francs payment that led to his provisional suspension threatens to cause a split among UEFA’s top brass when they meet on Thursday to discuss whether to continue supporting the Frenchman’s bid to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president.
Pelé returns to India to encourage a football evolution
By Samindra Kunti
October 13 – After 38 years Brazilian football legend Pelé has returned to Kolkata to promote football in India. He will be the guest of honor at the Indian Super League match between Atletico de Kolkata’s and Kerala Blasters, and at the Subroto Cup Final in New Delhi.
La Liga’s €650m TV share-out has leveled clubs, says Tebas
By David Owen in Monte Carlo
October 13 – La Liga has an unaccustomed look, with Villarreal’s Yellow Submarine having floated to the crest of the wave seven matches into the new season. And Javier Tebas (pictured) thinks he knows why.
MLS schedules 2016 trials for video refs
By Ben Nicholson
October 13 – The MLS has revealed plans to trial video refereeing for penalty and goal awards and red cards. The trial will take place in October 2016 and cover ten to 15 friendly fixtures.
Russia 2018: Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya live to fight another day
By Mark Baber
October 12 – Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, three of Africa’s most populous nations which have been underperforming on the international football stage, unconvincingly made it through to the second round of qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2018 following their 1st round 2nd leg matches this weekend.
FA gets £12m boost as it refinances Wembley Stadium debt
By Mark Baber
October 12 – The FA has announced a new refinancing arrangement which will save at least £12 million a year and which marks a landmark for the FA as the new Wembley turns into an asset rather than a drag on the finances of the FA Group.
Euro qualifiers: Small nations win their place in the France 2016 sun
By Andrew Warshaw
October 12 – It’s shaping up as the Euro 2016 of the minnows. When Michel Platini decided to expand the European Championship finals from 16 to 24 teams, reaction was mixed with many predicting the quality of competition would be reduced.
Platini appeal backed by French and South Americans, but English told to rethink
By Andrew Warshaw
October 12 – Just like the man he is endeavouring to succeed, UEFA president Michel Platini is appealing against his provisional 90-day suspension imposed by FIFA’s ethics committee while they further investigate his receipt of that infamous SFr2 million payment.
Barca back Messi in tax fraud case and complain they are the real victim
October 12 – Barcelona are standing behind their mercurial superstar Lionel Messi in his fight against being punished for alleged tax fraud.
Fox plays Trump card to pump up US, but Mexico has a fiesta
By Ben Nicholson
October 10 – The one-off CONCACAF Cup game between Mexico and the US, which Mexico won to decide who will be the region’s representative at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, was well and Trumply politicised. A record 93,000 crowd packed the Rose Bowl and viewing figures are also expected to have broken records for a national team game.