beIN Sports takes on TF1 in battle for French team TV rights
June 13 – French national broadcaster TF1 and M6 are locked in a battle to secure the TV rights for France’s matches in the 2018-2022 cycle.
Now or never for Belgium’s Golden Generation?
By Samindra Kunti
June 13 – Belgium begin their campaign against Italy in what could be a defining tournament for the world’s second ranked team and its much vaunted players.
The Red Devils are no longer dark horses, but very much among the favorites. However, a nagging fear that the country’s golden generation of players might not deliver persists.
Anno 2000, Italywere European powerhouses. They reached the final of Euro 2000 before succumbing to France and David Trezeguet’s golden goal in added time.
Euros Diary: the reverse tout at St Denis…its not all about money
June 13 – Ticket touts were reported to have done a roaring trade outside the Stade de France yesterday but spare a thought for a young German fan named Christian who was actually trying to sell his four tickets for BELOW the asking price.
Euro previews: Spain vs Czech Rep; Belgium vs Italy
By Andrew Warshaw
June 13 – Spain-Czech Republic: Spain are not quite the unstoppable force they were four years ago. Witness them being eliminated from the last World Cup at the first hurdle. But the defending champions still have a fearsome look about them as they try to clinch a third consecutive European title, having already made history by retaining it.
Euro 2016 previews: Albania vs Switz, Wales vs Slovakia, Eng vs Russia
June 11 – Day 2 of the 2016 sees brotherly love between Albania and Switzerland, a Welsh galactico making a championship debut, and two nations who must win at all cost.
Caribbean piracy: CFU blanked as CONCACAF-backed Trinidad boss calls in MAs
By Paul Nicholson
June 10 – A fresh row has broken out in the Caribbean over what is being interpreted by national associations as back-door interference in the region’s affairs by regional confederation CONCACAF. The moves further undermine the management of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and its executive at a time when it has already seen its power base at the region’s top political table eroded and its membership split and marginalised.
France steady nerves as they line-up Romania in Euro 2016 opener
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 10 – The waiting is over, the anticipation at fever pitch. France, looking to win their third European title following their 1984 and 2000 triumphs, finally kick off their Euro 2016 campaign tonight with both coach and captain seeking to downplay their role as favourites.
Euro 2016 Diary, Day 1: Waiting for a train…
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 10 – As if contending with the unprecedented security operation wasn’t a big enough headache for Euro 2016 organisers, striking train drivers are causing mayhem.
Euro 2016 to set new money record with €1.9 billion bonanza
By Samindra Kunti in Paris
June 10 – Euro 2016 will be UEFA’s most profitable national team championship to date with the confederation set to bank a 41% increase in revenue to €1.9 billion on the 2012 tournament.
Kosovo and Gibraltar fast-tracked to World Cup qualifying debuts
June 10 – Kosovo and Gibraltar, both accepted into the FIFA fold last month, have as expected been fast-tracked into the 2018 World Cup qualifying programme that kicks off in September.
AFC names candidates for FIFA Council seats
June 10 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the eight candidates who will contest the election for the three available Asia places on on the new FIFA Council.
Interview: Belgian Van Winckel spearheads a Saudi football revolution
By Samindra Kunti
June 10 – A year has passed since Jan Van Winckel took up the role of Technical Director at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). This mild-mannered Belgian rarely gives interviews, but in an exclusive interview with Insideworldfootball, Van Winckel opens up about his new role as he strives to reform football in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Infantino expense details unveil a new culture of spending at FIFA
By Paul Nicholson
June 9 – FIFA seems to have become the gift that keeps on giving, not just to journalists in terms of stories, but especially to its new president Gianni Infantino, according to new information published today regarding his expense claims.
News analysis: Should we leave Gianni Infantino alone?
By James Dostoyevsky
The last few weeks have been bad ones for the new FIFA President. No matter what he does, whether boarding easyjet or a private jet, someone always has a quarrel with his choice.
Euro 2016 hots up as fans flood to a France on high alert but ready for football
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 9 – The show will go on as planned with every possible precaution taken to keep spectators safe and offset the threat of terrorism. That is the message from organisers of Euro 2016 who are taking a realistic, pragmatic approach to the build-up to Euro 2016 which kicks off Friday with the host nation taking on Romania amidst the biggest security operation ever mounted for a sporting event of this magnitude.