Social media powers record U21 Euros ticket sales
By Paul Nicholson
June 6 – The UEFA U21 Championship kicked off in Israel last night with two opening matches played in front of full stadiums.
Europe
Debt crisis deepens for Zaragoza, Depor and Mallorca as relegation adds to woes
By Gareth Messenger
June 6 – Real Zaragoza, Deportivo La Coruna and Real Mallorca face further financial meltdown after their relegation from Spain’s Primera Division last weekend.
Indonesian Thohir tight-lipped over progress of Inter Milan purchase
By Mark Baber
June 5 – Indonesian billionaire Erick Thohir, touted to take over FC Internazionale from Massimo Moratti (pictured), was reluctant to comment on the negotiations – but did let drop the process would probably be completed “within 1-2 months”.
Pitch battle prompts Manchester United to switch to new surface
By Tom Parsons
June 5 – Manchester United have begun work on their Old Trafford pitch after plans were announced to adopt a part-synthetic playing surface at the home of the 2012/13 Premier League champions.
PSG extends Qatar National Bank sponsorship for new 3-year term
June 5 – Qatar National Bank has agreed a three-year extension of its sponsorship deal with Paris Saint-Germain from next season, further strengthening the French champions’ new-found status as one of Europe’s richest and biggest-spending clubs.
Malaga hopeful CAS will overturn UEFA ban and allow them into Europa League
By Gareth Messenger
June 5 – Malaga director general Vicente Casado is confident that the club did enough to convince the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that UEFA must overturn their ban from European competition next season.
Neymar signs for new rights specialists Doyen Group
June 4 – Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr’s management company, NR Sports, has agreed an image rights deal with the newly established Doyen Group until 2017 following the player’s move from Santos to Barcelona.
Belles appeal ‘relegation’ for non-sporting reasons amid a storm of protest
By Mark Baber
June 3 – Leading English women’s team Doncaster Belles are appealing the decision to place them in FA Women’s Super League 2 (FA WSL 2) from next season, amidst a growing storm of protest over the allocation of licences in the FA Women’s Super League.
LFP elects Villaverde and Martin as vice presidents for two year terms
By Gareth Messenger
June 3 – Atletico Madrid director Clemente Villaverde and CEO of Numancia, Victor Manuel Martin, have been elected as the first and second vice presidents, respectively, of Spain’s Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP) for two year terms.
Sporting get €3.5 million windfall from Moutinho sell-on to Monaco
By Gareth Messenger
May 31 – Portugal’s Sporting CP will be the beneficiary of more than €3.5million from the sale of Joao Moutinho from Porto to French side Monaco for €25 million.
Germans vent fury as Dante misses cup final for Maracana opener against England
By Mark Baber
May 31 – With news the Brazil-England game might be cancelled, due to problems with the Maracana stadium, Bayern fans hadn’t abandoned all hope, even as Dante (pictured) departed for Brazil. However, the news soon came that the Brazil-England friendly was back on and they would certainly be without their central defender for Saturday’s DFB Pokal final. The incident has reignited the club vs country debate.
PSG to appeal Leonardo ban for referee shoulder-barge
May 31 – Paris St-Germain’s Brazilian sporting director Leonardo has been given a nine-month suspension for pushing a referee, the worst possible timing for the club who are trying to hold on to their manager Carlo Ancelotti as they push towards becoming an established member of Europe’s elite.
UEFA backs Brits to keep their FIFA exco privilege
By Andrew Warshaw in Mauritius
May 30 – Despite all expectations to the contrary, Britain will after all maintain its position at the top table of FIFA after striking a deal with other European member federations.
Europe’s bookies demand better governance to beat match-fixing
By Mark Baber
May 30 – The European Sports Security Association (ESSA), the betting industry’s ‘integrity’ body, published its annual integrity report Tuesday, claiming the evidence shows the battle against match-fixers from defrauding Europe’s licenced bookmakers is being won, The organisation argues the greatest threats to sporting integrity lie in poor governance and unregulated bookmakers outside Europe.
Emirates adds Real Madrid to roster of leading clubs across Europe
By Gareth Messenger
May 30 – It’s official, Emirates Airline has confirmed a four-year sponsorship deal with Spanish club Real Madrid believed to be in the region of around €120 million.