Qatar opens Al-Wakrah stadium with fireworks and a Cup Final
May 17 – Qatar officially opened its latest World Cup 2022 stadium Thursday as it staged a prestigious domestic cup final in the $575 million, 40,000-capacity Al-Wakrah venue.
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beIN Sports expands South American content with Copa América deal
May 17 – beIN Sports, at loggerheads in Asia over its pan-regional broadcast rights deal, has expanded its portfolio of South American rights with the addition of this year’s Copa América.
FIFA fines Anderlecht but stops short of imposing transfer ban
May 17 – FIFA has fined Belgian club Anderlecht CHF200,000 for breaking rules related to youth transfers but crucially have stopped short of imposing a transfer ban.
Man City’s CL future looks bleak as UEFA refers FFP case to judicial chamber
By Andrew Warshaw
May 16 – Still basking in the glory of becoming the first side in a decade to win back-to-back Premier League titles, Manchester City cannot escape global financial scrutiny off the field.
Swiss judiciary seek clarification of Lauber’s Infantino powwows
May 16 – The ongoing saga over the conduct of Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber relating to a series of private meetings he held with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken yet another twist with reports that Lauber may not be able to run for a third term.
PFA focuses resources on tacking rising player mental health issues
May 16 – Professional footballers are often much-maligned as over-paid prima donnas but a new survey proves they, too, have their inner demons much like other members of the public.
Bundesliga’s 32 clubs add voice to lobby against European club competition reforms
By Paul Nicholson
May 16 – The top two divisions of Germany’s Bundesliga have added their voices to the lobby rejecting the current reform proposals for international club competition.
Andorran FA chief steps down as investigation hunts for missing grant money
May 16 – The president of the Andorran Football Federation has resigned following an investigation into alleged embezzlement of FIFA and UEFA funds.
Qatar’s Al Wakrah Stadium to open with Emir Cup final
May 15 – Another milestone in the development of 2022 World Cup infrastructure will be achieved on Thursday when the newly-built 40,000-capacity Al Wakrah Stadium hosts its first competitive game, the domestic Emir Cup final.
Brazil is world’s biggest exporter of players, England and Italy are the biggest importers
May 15 – More than 1,300 Brazilians currently play professional football outside their country. While Brazil is the leading exporter of players, France ranks second (867 players overseas) and Argentina third (820).
Exclusive: CAF in crisis – Ahmad on corruption allegations; Bility on abuse of power
By Osasu Obayiuwana
May 14 – Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad has come under increasing African and international criticism from the media and even within his own executive committee. Osasu Obayiuwana separately interviewed Ahmad and one of the leading dissident voices within CAF, Musa Bility. The full interviews are printed here.
Man City face enforced Champions League exit over alleged FFP breaches
By Andrew Warshaw
May 14 – Amid the euphoria of retaining their Premier League title, Manchester City have been brought crashing down to earth with reports that they could be banned from the Champions league – the trophy they crave more than any.
Tebas argues Champions League changes would endanger European leagues
May 14 – Spanish league president Javier Tebas has once again come out fighting over plans to overhaul the Champions League warning that the changes will seriously affect competitive balance in his country and beyond.
AFC denies it has cancelled beIN’s TV deal, as rights battle over Saudi rages on
By Paul Nicholson
May 14 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said that it has not cancelled its TV rights agreement with beIN Sports and that the broadcaster, it said in a statement, “remains a valued commercial partner of the AFC”.
Financial finagling forces FIGC to condemn Palermo to Serie C
May 14 – Palermo have been relegated to Serie C by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) because of financial irregularities, a decision that crushes their hopes of securing promotion to Italy’s top division.