Ceferin pledges unity and support for football pyramid
May 28 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has taken another dig at those who prioritise profit over passion by pledging to support the entire football pyramid.
News
European leaders emphasise meritocracy over plutocracy, with Villareal as timely reminder
By Andrew Warshaw
May 28 – Villarreal’s euphoric upset win over Manchester United in this week’s Europa League final was not only a triumph for the club and its fans, it also cemented the anti-Super League sentiment and justified the narrative that middle and smaller-sized clubs can fulfil their dreams on the biggest stage.
Famine to feast: FIFA rankings unchanged but packed match calendar will bring change
May 28 – With only one international match played since FIFA last published its rankings, the calendar is about move from famine to feast with an explosion of activity including Gold Cup and Euro 2020 and Copa America, as well as World Cup qualifiers.
Nike cuts Neymar loose after sex allegations come back to bite
May 28 – US sportswear giant Nike says it dropped Brazilian footballer Neymar because he “refused to co-operate in a good faith investigation” into an allegation of sexual assault against an employee.
Tebas hammers rebel clubs and Infantino ideologists, warning ESL is still a danger
By Andrew Warshaw
My 27 – In one of his most strongly-worded anti-European Super League outbursts to date, even by his own standards, the boss of La Liga, Javier Tebas, took aim once again today at the orchestrators of the aborted project as well as at Gianni Infantino who he accused of “secretly” supporting the idea.
‘Suffering’ Real, Barca and Juve claim they are the victims of illegal pressure
May 27 – UEFA may have gone to war with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus by opening formal disciplinary proceedings against the three clubs, but the three Super League rebels refuse to abandon their plans and issued a statement on Wednesday to defend their ideas against what they call “threats” from Nyon.
FIFA opens consultation on the future direction of world game
May 27 – World federation FIFA has launched a consultation on the future of the game, focusing on the congested match calendar, fan experience and laws of the game.
Barca bigs up its brand with Rakuten ecommerce deal for Japan
May 27 – Never mind their ongoing battles in Europe, in Japan they are golden. Barcelona have added to their agreement with existing sponsor Rakuten with the Japanese ecommerce company acquiring exclusive club merchandising rights in Japan.
Ibrahimovic fined and told to cut links with Bethard, but he can keep playing
May 27 – UEFAhas fined Swedish legendZlatan Ibrahimovic for having a financial interest in the online sportsbookBethard Group and ordered that he cut ties with the organisation.
Squads announced, trophy delivered: Conacaf set for first Nations League finals
May 27 – Concacaf preparation for a summer of senior men’s football competition is gathering pace for with the unveiled of the trophy that will be awarded to the first Concacaf Nations League champions next week.
UEFA declares war on Real, Barca and Juve with Champions League slots at stake
By Andrew Warshaw
May 26 – UEFA has followed up on previous warnings by opening formal disciplinary proceedings against Super League rebels Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus – the only three founder members who still refuse to abandon the aborted project.
Former Conmebol boss Deluca fined after Swiss money laundering probe
May 26 – A former secretary general of Conmebol, Eduardo Deluca (pictured), has been fined CHF 5,000 as part of an official Swiss inquiry into money laundering.
Ligue 1 winner Galtier quits Lille
May 26 – Just two days after steering Lille to their first top-flight title since 2011, Christophe Galtier has stepped down as head coach saying four years at one club is “long enough and I just feel I have done my time here.”
Aussie leagues agree $155m broadcast deal with ViacomCBS
May 26 – Australia’s men’s and women’s top tier leagues have agreed their first major commercial partnership since taking control of their rights from the national federation, securing a five-year $155.5 million broadcast deal.
Germany turn to departing Bayern boss Hansi Flick to takeover from Low
May 26 – The German FA has officially named Bayern Munich’s departing manager Hansi Flick as the country’s new head coach when Joachim Low steps down following this summer’s European Championship.