By Matt Scott
June 17 – Kuwait’s government is reportedly planning to dissolve every one of its national sports federations, including its National Olympic Committee, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] upheld a FIFA decision to ban the Kuwait Football Association over government interference.
By Paul Nicholson
June 17 – The USA became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario with a 2-1 win over Ecuador in Seattle.
June 17 – The draw for the qualifying tournament for the group stages of the 2017 AFC Cup has been held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, though Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Crown was not in the draw as they await a ruling on their suspension by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 17 – The far-right leader of the Russian supporters’ association is being deported from France following the violence at the England-Russia Euro 2016 clash in Marseille, escalating a diplomatic row between Russia and France.
June 17 – When Turkey take on Spain today looking for salvation in their attempt to remain at Euro 2016, arguably the country’s biggest ever footballing star was on trial in absentia in an Istanbul court on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on social media.
June 17 – Sweden vs Italy – Italy striker Graziano Pelle looks to have shaken off a foot problem so the Azzurri, who surprised many with their highly impressive win over Belgium could be unchanged.
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 16 – It’s all kicking off in Lille. That was the message spread across social media on Wednesday – but sadly it was not referring to events on the field. Despite all the pleas and warnings and an apparent alcohol ban, England fans were again at the heart of city centre disorder as police made 36 arrests in the northern French city where supporters had been congregating ahead of today’s clash with Wales 40 kms away in Lens.
June 16 – CONCACAF have boosted their prize money fund for their top tier Champions League club competition to $1.2 million for the 2016/17 season. They have also committed to supporting club travel costs in the early tournament stages.
By Andrew Warshaw
June 16 – The paralysing transport strikes in the French capital that have been deliberately timed to coincide with Euro 2016 have caused mayhem for ordinary Parisians as well as fans. Cancelled trains and disrupted timetables have been de rigueur since day one causing anger and resentment, many Parisians having to resort to taxis to get to and from work.
June 16 – It’s all about buying at Premier League Liverpool at the moment. The club has just launched its new all-black away kit for fans to buy, while news has emerged that a Chinese group has reportedly valued the club at £700 million and wants to progress the deal, though confirmation of that proposal is hard to find.
June 16 – England vs Wales: The waiting is over. Ever since the draw was made in December, this is the mouth-watering fixture English and Welsh fans have been anticipating.
June 16 – The preparations for Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium and life as a dual sports venue are moving along with a visit to the site from National Football League (NFL) international vice president Mark Waller.
By Samindra Kunti
June 16 – Brazil have wasted no time in sacking their coach Carlos Dunga after their shock exit from the Copa America Centenario being played in the US. Corinthians coach Tite has become the frontrunner to succeed Dunga. But in a federation haunted by endless allegations of corruption, at the top of the CBF pyramid there will be no change.
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
January 15 – When UEFA decided to expand the 2016 European Championship finals to 24 teams, there were those who sneered scornfully and said another eight teams would diminish the tournament. Too many minnows, not enough quality, a purely money-exercise, were the three of many criticisms.
June 15 – Romania – Switzerland:Victory at the Parc des Princes will ensure Switzerland reach the knock-out stage of the European Championship finals for the first time – and become the first side at Euro 2016 to guarantee their place in the last 16.