Man City’s Mendy has another rape case added to his charges
December 23 – Manchester City’s £50 million defender Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a fresh rape count on top of the six he is already facing.
Europe
Abramovich makes it clear in UK libel court he isn’t Putin’s energy rich stooge
December 23 – Russian oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has settled his libel case over publication of claims that he bought the club on the orders of Vladimir Putin.
Coronavirus: Scots advance winter break talks after stadium capacities capped at 500
December 22 – A decision on whether or not the Scottish Premiership winter break will be brought forward is expected in the next 48 hours after a 500-capacity cap was placed on all spectators over what is traditionally a heavily attended Christmas and New Year programme.
Urgent: new owner needed. Serie A’s Salernitana must sell by year end to stay in league
December 22 – Recently promoted Salernitana will be kicked out of Serie A if they do not find a new owner by December 31, according to Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina.
Milan clubs unveil their ‘Cathedral’ to replace their San Siro icon
December 22 – The core design scheme for the new stadium that will replace the Milan’s San Siro as the home for AC Milan and InterMilan has been chosen.
Italian investigators add Inter Milan to transfer fraud probe
December 22 – The ongoing investigation into financial fraud in the Italian game has now enveloped reigning champions Inter Milan whose offices were raided on Tuesday with Italian law enforcement saying they had seized various documents.
Match-fixing: Pawel Cibicki banned in Sweden for taking ‘bribe’
December 22 – Former Leeds United winger Pawel Cibicki has been convicted of offences related to match-fixing by a court of appeal in Sweden and reportedly banned from playing in the country for four years.
Barcelona’s socios mandate board to secure €1.5bn for Espai Barça project
December 21 – Barcelona can’t afford players to keep their playing squad competitive in European competition, but that hasn’t stopped the association’s members mandating the board to raise up to €1.5 billion to pay for the Espai Barça project.
Belgian Pro League chair Croonen quits saying the club-league tightrope walk is too difficult
December 21 – Peter Croonen (pictured) has stepped down as chairman of the Belgian Pro League after a dispute over the domestic calendar with Racing Genk, the club he also chairs.
Spurs’ Euro campaign over as UEFA rule they must forfeit Rennes tie
December 20 – Tottenham Hotspur have been eliminated from the Europa Conference League after UEFA ruled their postponed fixture against Rennes would be deemed as forfeited.
Kompany walks out after ‘monkey’ abuse at Brugges vs Anderlecht clash
December 20 – In the latest controversy to hit the Belgian domestic league, Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany has slammed the racist comments during his side’s 2-2 with Club Brugge.
UEFA certified as Equal-Salary employer
December 20 – UEFA has been certified as an EQUAL-SALARY employer, the first sports organisation to do so.
Abramovich Brexited: Chelsea owner granted EU citizenship in Portugal
December 20 – Billionaire oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has become an EU citizen, three years after withdrawing his application for a UK visa amid diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow.
UEFA doubles up, opening host bidding for 2028 and 2032 Euros
December 17 – UEFA have opened the bidding for the 2032 European Championships and have confirmed it will run alongside 2028, with hosts for both being chosen at the same time in a radical change from past practice.
Nations League draw rematches England and Italy, with Germany to add extra edge
December 17 – Italy and England were drawn in the same Nations League group Thursday, setting up two mouth-watering rematches next year of their European Championship final.