FIFA fines Anderlecht but stops short of imposing transfer ban
May 17 – FIFA has fined Belgian club Anderlecht CHF200,000 for breaking rules related to youth transfers but crucially have stopped short of imposing a transfer ban.
Man City’s CL future looks bleak as UEFA refers FFP case to judicial chamber
By Andrew Warshaw
May 16 – Still basking in the glory of becoming the first side in a decade to win back-to-back Premier League titles, Manchester City cannot escape global financial scrutiny off the field.
Real Madrid topple Man Utd from brand value chart as Reds fans lose their love
May 16 – Real Madrid have returned to the top of world football as the most valuable football club brand globally, having retaken the title from Manchester United, according to the latest report from brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.
Swiss judiciary seek clarification of Lauber’s Infantino powwows
May 16 – The ongoing saga over the conduct of Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber relating to a series of private meetings he held with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken yet another twist with reports that Lauber may not be able to run for a third term.
PFA focuses resources on tacking rising player mental health issues
May 16 – Professional footballers are often much-maligned as over-paid prima donnas but a new survey proves they, too, have their inner demons much like other members of the public.
Bundesliga’s 32 clubs add voice to lobby against European club competition reforms
By Paul Nicholson
May 16 – The top two divisions of Germany’s Bundesliga have added their voices to the lobby rejecting the current reform proposals for international club competition.
Andorran FA chief steps down as investigation hunts for missing grant money
May 16 – The president of the Andorran Football Federation has resigned following an investigation into alleged embezzlement of FIFA and UEFA funds.
South Korea pull out of 2023 Asian Cup bid leaving road clear for China
May 16 – South Korea have pulled out of their bid to host the 2023 Asian Cup, leaving China as the last remaining bidder for the AFC’s 24-team blue riband event.
Qatar’s Al Wakrah Stadium to open with Emir Cup final
May 15 – Another milestone in the development of 2022 World Cup infrastructure will be achieved on Thursday when the newly-built 40,000-capacity Al Wakrah Stadium hosts its first competitive game, the domestic Emir Cup final.
Matchfixing in esports: an accident looking for somewhere to happen?
May 15 – When he was in charge of UEFA, Michel Platini famously described match-fixing as the cancer of football.
Brazil is world’s biggest exporter of players, England and Italy are the biggest importers
May 15 – More than 1,300 Brazilians currently play professional football outside their country. While Brazil is the leading exporter of players, France ranks second (867 players overseas) and Argentina third (820).
France’s OL records 19% rise in revenue, targets €400m and entry to the Euro elite
By Paul Nicholson
May 15 – French club Olympique Lyonnais whose women’s team compete in the Champions League final this week and whose men’s team are set for a third placed Ligue1 finish, has reported a €36.1 million (19%) leap in revenue of the first nine months of the current financial year to €223.8 million.
Crystal Palace deny takeover talks with Shinawatra, but new money is an option
May 15 – Crystal Palace have said that they are not in negotiation on a £150 million takeover deal involving former Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra.
Picking winners: Mourinho questions Klopp and Pochettino records
May 15 – Jose Mourinho, out of a job since being sacked by Manchester United just before Christmas following their worst start to a season for 28 years, has not been able to resist a dig at both Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, managers of Champions League finalists Liverpool and Tottenham.
Serie A’s relegation-threatened Genoa put up for sale
May 15 – Genoa, Italy’s oldest professional football club which even has the word cricket in its official name, will be put up for sale, the Serie A outfit said in a statement.