Euro 2016 Diary, Day 1: Waiting for a train…
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 10 – As if contending with the unprecedented security operation wasn’t a big enough headache for Euro 2016 organisers, striking train drivers are causing mayhem.
News
Euro 2016 to set new money record with €1.9 billion bonanza
By Samindra Kunti in Paris
June 10 – Euro 2016 will be UEFA’s most profitable national team championship to date with the confederation set to bank a 41% increase in revenue to €1.9 billion on the 2012 tournament.
Kosovo and Gibraltar fast-tracked to World Cup qualifying debuts
June 10 – Kosovo and Gibraltar, both accepted into the FIFA fold last month, have as expected been fast-tracked into the 2018 World Cup qualifying programme that kicks off in September.
Infantino expense details unveil a new culture of spending at FIFA
By Paul Nicholson
June 9 – FIFA seems to have become the gift that keeps on giving, not just to journalists in terms of stories, but especially to its new president Gianni Infantino, according to new information published today regarding his expense claims.
News analysis: Should we leave Gianni Infantino alone?
By James Dostoyevsky
The last few weeks have been bad ones for the new FIFA President. No matter what he does, whether boarding easyjet or a private jet, someone always has a quarrel with his choice.
Euro 2016 hots up as fans flood to a France on high alert but ready for football
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 9 – The show will go on as planned with every possible precaution taken to keep spectators safe and offset the threat of terrorism. That is the message from organisers of Euro 2016 who are taking a realistic, pragmatic approach to the build-up to Euro 2016 which kicks off Friday with the host nation taking on Romania amidst the biggest security operation ever mounted for a sporting event of this magnitude.
The guest no-one wants? Will Platini come out to play at Euro 2016?
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 9 – Will he attend or won’t he? The jury seems to still be out over whether Michel Platini will be showing his face at Euro 2016 in his own backyard despite his four-year ban.
Saints sign Virgin Media as club sponsor in 3-year deal
June 9 – Premier League club Southampton may have lost a manager this week, but they have gained a new main club sponsor. TV and broadband provider Virgin Media will take over from consumer electronics firm Veho in a three-year deal.
Estonia adds its voice to growing support for Čeferin
June 9 – Momentum is gathering behind Slovenian FA president Aleksander Čeferin in his bid to become president of UEFA. The Estonian FA have announced that they would support his candidacy. Čeferin has still to admit his official nomination but that now only looks to be a formality.
England to win Euro 2016. The transfer value stats show it
June 9 – If the aggregate transfer value of squad players is a determining factor, then England are going to win Euro 2016. France will be the nearest challengers followed by Spain, Germany and Belgium.
Slovenia’s Čeferin wins backing in the race for UEFA’s presidency
By Paul Nicholson
June 8 – The race for the UEFA presidency looks certain to have a new candidate with Slovenian FA president Aleksander Čeferin expected to submit his nomination within the next 48 hours.
Copa America Centenario catches fire as US hammer Costa Rica
By Paul Nicholson
June 8 – The Copa America Centenario sparked into life last night at Chicago’s Soldier Field with hosts USA thrashing Costa Rica 4-0 in the first of the second round of group games.
Uruguayans sing off wrong hymn sheet as Mexico take a bite out of their pride
By Samindra Kunti
June 8 – Not everything is rosy in the corruption-free garden of the US-hosted centenary edition of the Copa America. President of the Uruguayan FA Wilmar Valdez has claimed it was a mistake for the USA to host the tournament.
Nigerian legend Stephen Keshi dies suddenly, aged 54
June 8 – One of Africa’s football legends, Nigerian Stephen Keshi, has died suddenly at the age of 54. Keshi is one of only two people to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and a coach.
Euro 2016 ticket sales high, but seats still available for Paris opener
By Samindra Kunti
June 8 – Euro 2016 is set to be the best attended European Championship ever, but the opening match between France and Romania is struggling to sell out.