Spanish giant killers Eibar punch their way into European qualifying position
January 11 – There are underdogs and teams who punch above their weight – and then there is the tiny Basque club of Eibar.
Europe
Real, Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Juve and Spurs have most international players
By Paul Nicholson
January 11 – International players account for 90% of the minutes played by Real Madrid last year, compared to a much lower 70% at Barcelona. Europe’s other ‘international’ leaders are predominantly in England with Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and, perhaps surprisingly, Spurs all at more than 80%.
UEFA agree HomeAway as vacation rental sponsor for France 2016
January 11 – UEFA and Abritel-HomeAway, a world leader in vacation rentals, are joining forces in the lead up to and during EURO2016 to serve visitors with official fan accommodation for the tournament.
Spanish prosecutors want Neymar in court to face corruption charges
By Samindra Kunti
January 11 – Spanish prosecutors have taken the next steps in their investigation of Brazilian superstar Neymar and requested that legal action be taken against him over alleged fraud and corruption surrounding his transfer to Barcelona in the summer of 2013.
Barca transfer ban ends with club immediately registering 77 players
By Mark Baber
January 6 – Barcelona celebrated the end of their 14-month “transfer ban” by registering 77 players across all age groups, many of whom had been signed to the club during the ban and who will now be able to play in competitive matches.
Zidane takes Real Madrid hot seat as Benitez is burned
By Andrew Warshaw
January 5 – Once again, a hugely experienced and knowledgable coach has been unable to make it at Real Madrid where demands are possibly higher than anywhere else.
Messi tops transfer value list, Hazard is at 3 with Kane and Sterling at 5 and 6
By Paul Nicholson
January 5 – Lionel Messi is worth €100 million more than Neymar and he is worth €66 million more than Luis Suarez who is the eighth most valuable player in Europe, according to a CIES Football Observatory ranking of the 100 most valuable players in the Big 5 European Leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy.
January transfer spending may beat £225m high. Arsenal set to be first out the blocks
By Mark Baber
January 4 – The January transfer window opened on Saturday for clubs in England, Scotland, Germany and France with expectations of a high spending round dependent on early sales to set the merry-go-round in motion.
Europe mourns unexplained death of Ivory Coast’s Gohouri
January 4 – The tragic unexplained death of Steve Gohouri, the former Ivory Coast World Cup defender, has caused shock throughout his country and in Europe where he played most of his club football.
Is he or isn’t he? Banned Platini joins players at Dubai function
By Andrew Warshaw
December 30 – In what will be construed in some quarters as a deliberately defiant act, Michel Platini appears to have violated the terms of his eight-year FIFA ban after openly attending an awards ceremony and conference in Dubai.
Santa delivers Rangers an Ashley-free Christmas and a big win against Hibs
By Paul Nicholson
December 29 – Christmas came twice this year for the legions of Rangers fans who have despaired over the enforced relegation of the Scottish giants from the Scottish Premier League and the club’s on-going ownership battles, not least the situation regarding the corporate marauder from England, Mike Ashley, and his former vice-like grip over the club via his financial power.
Rome picks prospective Olympic football venues for 2024
By David Owen
December 29 – The famous San Siro stadium in Milan, designated host of this season’s UEFA Champions League final, has been selected along with 10 other venues to stage matches in the 2024 Olympic Games football tournament if Rome succeeds in beating its three rivals.
Scots add third shirt space for sponsor logos
December 29 – Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) clubs have been given the option of an extra ad space to sell on the their shirts for sponsors logos from the start of next season.
Managers play musical chairs as Mourinho, Guardiola and Ancelotti eye new benches
December 23 – The merry-go-round among Europe’s most sought after coaches has taken another decisive step with Bayern Munich confirming that that Pep Guardiola will be succeeded at the end of the season by Carlo Ancelotti.
Busting the corruption bubble. Has TEAM found the Holy Grail?
By Paul Nicholson
December 23 – What came first, greed-driven sports marketing agencies or avaricious sports administrators who jumped at the opportunity to siphon off cash for rights? The answer is probably that the two were always intertwined, but what football needs to avoid at all costs is another ISL or Traffic Sports situation.