Testosterone-filled UEFA says there is no problem with doping
By Andrew Warshaw
September 21 – UEFA has been quick to play down reports in Germany and England that it has unearthed a potentially serious doping issue in its competitions.
Europe
FIFpro file EC legal complaint saying transfer rules promote ‘slavery’
By Andrew Warshaw
September 18 – Citing what it described as the “shocking imbalance” between the respective rights of clubs and players, the international players’ union FIFpro has lodged an official legal complaint with the European Commission in a move that could overhaul the entire transfer system.
FIFA slams transfer ban and fine on Belgian TPO rule-buster
By Andrew Warshaw and Samindra Kunti
September 18 – FIFA have sanctioned Belgian second-tier club FC Seraing with a two-year transfer ban and a fine of $155,000 after it was revealed that investment fund group Doyen had added €300,000 to the club’s budget in exchange for 30% of some players’ rights.
UEFA disappointed over Valcke suspension but say new chiefs are coming
By Andrew Warshaw
September 18 – UEFA expressed its disappointment and sadness today at the “very serious” latest allegations to strike at the heart of an increasingly discredited FIFA, saying the shock suspension of FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke continued to tarnish the organisation’s image.
Turkey Super League club debts balloon over $1.6bn forcing radical rethink
By Mark Baber
September 19 – Turkish Football Federation (TTF) Vice President Hüsnü Güreli (pictured) has said that the country’s 18 Super League clubs have managed to amass a debt of TL 3.5 billion ($1.66 billion) whilst money owed to them only amounted to TL 478 million ($160 million).
Poland’s Ekstraklasa clamps down on anti-refugee incidents at league matches
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
September 17 – Poland’s top tier Ekstraklasa has launched an investigation into racist incidents which targeted refugees at several matches played in September at Polish stadiums, and decided to punish several clubs.
UEFA ponders launch of third European club competition
September 17 – UEFA have refused to confirm or deny reports that they are in discussions to create a third club competition for the first time since the old Cupwinners Cup was disbanded 16 years ago.
Player GPS trackers cause match delay and then are routed into a safety debate
By Mark Baber
September 17 – Wycombe Wanderers’s Sky Bet League Two game against Plymouth this weekend was the unexpected venue for a vigorous debate on players wearing of GPS systems, with the kick-off being held up for seven minutes as Plymouth’s new manager Derek Adams questioned their safety.
German clubs combine to send powerful messages of support for refugees
September 16 – Players in German football’s top two divisions will this weekend put on a collective front by wearing shirts carrying messages supporting the refugees pouring into Europe.
Manchester clubs top spending tables but bottom out in Champions League
By Paul Nicholson
September 16 – Manchester City, who opened their Champions League campaign last night with a 1-2 home loss to last year’s beaten finalists Juventus, are top of one table with an almost unassailable lead but it will be little consolation. The club tops the rankings of club spending both in the transfer window just closed, and in spending since 2010.
Barca revamp management and hire Juve sales chief to head commercial ops
September 15 – Barcelona have announced a total restructuring of its business model with a new department to be headed by Francesco Calvo (pictured), appointed as the club’s new commercial director and joining from Juventus where he was sales manager.
Romania’s Craiova launches €50m new stadium project
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
September 15 – Romanian government authorities have launched the construction of a new stadium for CS Universitatea Craiova. The build will cost about €50 million, and will see the Romanian side move to a new stadium with a seating capacity of 30,854.
Levski find €1.5m to settle outstanding debt
By Alexander Krassimirov
September 14 – Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia has paid more than BGN 3 million (€1.5 million) in debt settlement to former and current players, and coaches. Ivo Tonev (pictured), one of the majority owners of the club made the announcement after a meeting of the Governing Council.
IFA unveils November conference and Blatter ‘special’ at FIFA House
By Paul Nicholson
September 14 – Just one month after the candidates have to confirm their nominations for the FIFA Presidential race, and three months before the election itself, the International Football Arena (IFA) Conference will take place at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, November 19.
CSKA Sofia chief suggests bankruptcy is only way back to top tier
By Alexander Krassimirov
September 11 – Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia will have to declare themselves bankrupt if the club want to return to professional football. The statement was made by the chief executive director of the club Alexander Todorov (pictured).