FIFA rethink: Iranian women’s protest is social not political
June 19 – FIFA has admitted it was wrong that two fans were ejected from a Women’s World Cup match for wearing T-shirts calling for Iranian women to be let into stadiums.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Dudamel adds voice to criticism of Copa America that is struggling to catch fire
By Samindra Kunti in Rio de Janeiro
June 19 – Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel criticised the organization of the Copa America on Tuesday after his team’s impressive 0-0 draw with hosts Brazil in Salvador.
Al-Khelaïfi parachutes in Leonardo to bring results and dismantle PSG’s ‘star’ culture
June 19 – PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi (pictured) has said that his club needs an “electroshock” to get back on track after a disappointing season marked by problems in the dressing room.
Grp D: USA get the job done against battling Guyana
USA 4 Guyana 0
By Paul Nicholson at the Allianz Field, St Paul, Minnesota
June 17 – The last match of first round games at the Gold Cup saw the entry of the USA into competitive action. Guyana were the lambs lined up for the ritual slaughter at the Allianz Field in St Paul, Minnesota.
Grp D: Panama outmuscle Trinidad
Panama 2 Trinidad and Tobago 0
By Paul Nicholson at the Allianz Field, St Paul, Minnesota
June 18 – Panama’s superior quality on the ball and greater physical strength off it put paid to a spirited Trinidad resistance to take first Group D blood in Minnesota United’s shiny new stadium in Saint Paul.
Swiss court rules Lauber and Infantino powwows point to bias and collusion
June 18 – The Swiss investigation into FIFA corruption looks to be collapsing following a ruling by the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona which declared Federal Prosecutor Michael Lauber’s secret meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino give the appearance of bias.
CAF stick with VAR for AFCON in Egypt but bring in Mediapro to manage
June 18 – After the shambles surrounding the use of VAR at CAF’s Champions League final the confederation has chosen Mediapro as the provider responsible for VAR at the African Cup of Nations that runs June 21 to July 19.
Report finds US Women’s team has out-earned US Men over past 3 seasons
June 18 – The United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT), in dispute with their national federation (USSF) over equal pay and conditions, generated more revenue than the men’s side in the three years after their 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup win according to analysis of US Soccer’s audited accounts for the past three years.
Grp A, rd 2: Mexico and Canada battle for group supremacy
June 18 – Day 5 and the Concacaf group rotation starts again with Group A, the high scoring Mexicans and Canadians, and the altitude of the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.
French investigators pull in Platini for questioning over 2022 World Cup hosting vote
June 18 – Former UEFA president and French football legend Michel Platini has been detained for questioning on suspicion of corruption over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, according to reports.
Brazil authorities seize Neymar properties over €15.9m tax claim
By Samindra Kunti in Rio de Janeiro
June 18 – Seemingly dispensable at his club PSG, out of the Copa America and accused of rape, the career of Neymar is sliding rapidly and on Monday the Brazil star was faced with even more legal entanglements as local justices in froze 36 of his properties for alleged tax evasion.
France lay down title credentials to challenge US for Women’s World Cup
June 18 – Three games, three wins. Long way to go of course but as 100 percent starts go, host nation France have laid down a marker in the women’s World Cup in their bid to snatch the trophy away from the United States.
Grp C: Reggae Boyz jammin in Jamaica
Jamaica 4 Honduras 2
June 17 – The Reggae Boyz caused the first surprise of the Gold Cup on home ground in Kingston, Jamaica, with a 3-2 win over Honduras.
Grp D, US vs Guyana: Beware the small, tenacious predator
June 17 – The US and Guyana have never played each other before. Guyana have never even made it to a Gold Cup final tournament until now. The US are playing in their 15th finals and looking to retain their title won in 2015. On the face it you wouldn’t hold out much hope for the Guyanans.
Grp C: Bonilla strike breaks Curacao hearts
June 17 – Nelson Bonilla’s late strike in added time of the first half was enough to give El Salvador the opening three points in Group C play at the Independence Park Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.