Paul Nicholson, Author at Inside World Football

Russian notes: FIFA referees boss promises VAR will end controversial decisions

By Andrew Warshaw in Moscow

June 15 – FIFA’s top refereeing watchdogs are urging the public not to expect miracles from the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) system that is making its World Cup debut in Russia. But director of refereeing Massimo Busacca nevertheless insists the system will be a help rather than a hindrance despite lingering doubts about whether VAR has been implemented too quickly in FIFA’s flagship event because of confusing rulings and long delays.

Premier League

Spurs book Wembley for home opener as new stadium stumbles over construction delays

June 15 – Premier League Tottenham Hotspur will play their first home game of the 2018/19 season at Wembley before moving to their rebuilt stadium for its first Premier League fixture against Liverpool on the weekend of September 15-16.

Russia 2018

Russia open the greatest show on earth with singing, dancing and a patriotic 5-0 winning smile

By Andrew Warshaw in Moscow

June 14 – Walking round the streets of Moscow in the days leading up to tonight’s World Cup opener, you wouldn’t necessarily have known the Russian capital was about to herald the start of a competition that has taken eight years to organise and was so vital in terms of image and public relations.

Broadcast

Qatar’s beIN opens up World Cup broadcasts to Saudis and Egyptians on free-to-air channels

By Paul Nicholson

June 14 – Egyptian and Saudi Arabian fans will be able to watch their teams play at the World Cup after a last minute announcement by broadcast rightsholder beIN Sport that 22 matches will be broadcast on their free-to-air channels. The dispute over beIN’s distribution in both countries has been bitter with the Qataris having distribution issues and the Saudis even pirating rights on newly launched broadcast-spoiler station BeoutQ.

World Cup 2026 bids

United 2026 bid savours landslide victory as Moroccans left to lick their wounds

By Andrew Warshaw in Moscow

June 14 – So, after months of criss-crossing the globe, how did they manage to win so emphatically? As leaders of the triumphant North American 2026 World Cup bid took in the totally unexpected margin of victory, they were honest enough to admit that even they didn’t expect such an outcome.

Finance

PSG clear FFP probe but need to raise €60m from player sales to meet 2018 audit

By Paul Nicholson

June 14 – Big spending Paris St. Germain have passed UEFA’s financial fair play (FFP) investigation for 2015, 2016 and 2017 but the club remains under the microscope for 2018 and could be forced to raise to €60 million through player sales to meet the regulations to avoid further scrutiny.

Football Asia

AFC to open Doha office to support Qatar in run-up to 2022 World Cup

June 14 – While focus is firmly on Russia 2018 for the next month, it will soon switch to Qatar and the 2022 World Cup, and the preparations in-country for the first finals tournament to be held in Winter.

Integrity

SIGA and George Washington University start academic network focussed on sport integrity

June 14 – The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the George Washington University (GWU) in the US that will kick start the ‘SIGA University Network’ as the alliance adds other leading academic institutions worldwide.

Football Marketing

Hyundai adds Atlético Madrid sponsorship, following similar sleeve deal with Chelsea

June 14 – Hyundai will be Atlético Madrid’s official automotive partner for the next three seasons with it’s logo displayed on the left sleeve of the first men’s and women’s team shirt in national competitions until 2021 in a deal which displaces Alfa Romeo.

World Cup 2026 bids

US-Mexico-Canada ecstatic as United bid wins 66% of World Cup 2026 vote

By Andrew Warshaw in Moscow

June 13 – It was the 13th item on the agenda and it proved to be unlucky verging on disastrous for Morocco as the United States and its partners Canada and Mexico were today awarded the 2026 World Cup.

Football Asia

AFC joins the commercial big league with $4bn+ rights deal for 2021-28 cycle

By Paul Nicholson

June 13 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has secured a huge uplift in revenue for its commercial rights, landing a potentially $4 billion-plus deal with specially formed DDMC Fortis after an 15-month tender process.

FIFA

Dispute over FIFA World Cup broadcast rights reaches boiling point in Egypt

By Mark Baber

June 13 – The dispute between authorities in Egypt and FIFA over the latter’s sale of exclusive World Cup broadcast rights in Egypt to Qatar-owned beIN sports has intensified with Egypt’s Competition Authority (ECA) saying it will oblige FIFA to allow the state broadcaster to broadcast 22 matches, including those of the Egyptian national team.

FIFA

More money, more projects and more Infantino. FIFA boss prepares path for re-election

By Andrew Warshaw in Moscow

June 13 – Gianni Infantino claimed personal credit today for turning round FIFA’s fortunes since becoming its president just over two years ago – both from a financial and transparency standpoint.

Author: Paul Nicholson