Police chief faces manslaughter charges over Hillsborough disaster
July 28 – Three separate trials are anticipated for the prosecution of the six men facing charges over the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Matt Scott: £50m footballers are two a penny – but we have been there before
“We must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow.” Dwight D Eisenhower
As the Supreme Commander of the allies’ war effort in the European theatre during World War Two who went on to become president, ‘Ike’ knew a bit about budgets. He was fortunate as the 34th President of the US to lead the world’s biggest economy during rampant boom time,
Arsenal drive deeper into China with expanded BNN Technology deal
July 28 – Arsenal have extended their partnership with China-based technology provider BNN Technology through to the end of the 2019/20 season.
Players union FIFPro wants Chinese association to guard players’ rights
July 28 – The world players’ union FIFPro wants to create a member association in China amid concerns about overdue payments.
Aussie clubs keep pressure on FFA demanding opening of 2022 bid accounts
July 28 – Australia’s leading clubs are demanding that the country’s FA (Football Federation Australia) opens its books to disclose the financial records surrounding the failed 2022 World Cup bid.
Jailed Villar quits VP roles at FIFA and UEFA. Larrea steps up in Spain
By Andrew Warshaw
July 27 – The career of Angel Maria Villar, one of the last remaining members of football’s political old guard who somehow managed to maintain his status while friends and colleagues were being swallowed up by scandal, is now effectively over after the seemingly untouchable lawyer resigned as vice-president of FIFA and UEFA.
Morocco set to bid for 2026 World Cup with 100% support of Africa
By Andrew Warshaw
July 27 – Morocco have decided to gamble once again and take on the joint might of north America and Mexico in a bid to host the 2026 World Cup, according to leading Confederation of African Football (CAF) official Amaju Pinnick.
Aston Villa networks Chinese links to bring Hisense to its push for Premier League return
July 27 – Former Premier League club Aston Villa, battling to return to former glories and top flight status after a season in the Championship, are still able to attract high end sponsors with Hisense unveiled as the club’s new official technology partner.
e-Ligue 1 retains Orange as title sponsor for new season of FIFA 18 game
July 27 – The French Professional Football League (LFP) has renewed partnership with BeIN Sports, Orange and Webedia for its e-Ligue 1 for a further two years. Title sponsor Orange will continue in its role until the end of the 2018/19 season.
Balancing the books: Chinese Super League clubs says they have cleared debts
July 27 – Ten of the 13 Chinese Super League clubs threatened with being banned next season say they have cleared their debts.
SIGA forum renews call for action on better sports governance
July 27 – Sports integrity lobby group SIGA kept up its calls for better sports governance at its Lisbon forum with former IOC Marketing and Broadcasting Rights Director Michael Payne saying sport has to “adapt or die, but also adapt to thrive”.
Walking the gangplank: Premier League wins court order to shut down pirates
July 27 – The English Premier League has been awarded a High Court order for the forthcoming season which it hopes will combat illegal streaming by fans watching their teams for free. The blocking order will require UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to prevent supporters from illegal access through services like Kodi.
Tibet Water joins Liverpool partnership roster in Asia
July 27 –Premier League Liverpool have signed Tibet Water Resources as their Official Regional Water Partner in China.
National League Woking attracts Korean acquisition interest
July 27 – Foreign investment interest in English clubs is not confined to the Premier League and Championship, but there is growing interest in opportunities provided by clubs in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
Spanish sports body steps in to remove Villar from RFEF presidency
By Andrew Warshaw
July 26 – Angel Maria Villar’s three-decade reign at the head of Spanish football has come crashing down after he was suspended for a year, throwing his FIFA and UEFA vice-presidencies into serious jeopardy.