Leeds takeover stalled as Cellino waits for Football League approval

Leeds United

February 26 – The takeover of Leeds United by controversial Italian agricultural entrepreneur Massimo Cellino has still not been approved by the relevant authorities, it has emerged. The Football League has said it “remains in discussions” with the club even though the 57-year-old Italian businessman exchanged contracts with current owners GFH to buy a 75% stake in the Championship club earlier this month.

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Aurubis to sponsor Ludogorets youth academy

Aurubis-logo

By Alexander Krassimirov
February 25 – German company Aurubis (formerly Norddeutsche Affinerie AG) is poised to sign a co-operation agreement with Bulgarian champions of Ludogorets Razgrad to provide a boost to the club’s youth academy. In March the company will sponsor trials with those selected joining the club’s academy.

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Czech’s Gambrinus Liga boosts broadcast revenue with new deal and partner

gambrinus liga logo

By Jaroslaw Adamowski
February 24 – STES, the marketing arm of the Czech football association FACR, has signed a new broadcasting rights deal for the country’s Gambrinus Liga with local company Pragosport. The Czech company acquired the broadcasting rights for the top tier of the Czech professional football league for the next four years. The contract will enter into force in the 2014/2015 season.

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Euro 2016 draw ushers in a new era for a major championship

euros 2106 draw

By Paul Nicholson
February 23 – Europe’s federations took their minds off World Cup 2014 today as the draw for Euro 2016 qualifying competition took place in Nice, France. This is the first finals to be competed under UEFA’s increased format of 24 teams. It is also the first qualifying competition to have matches staggered from Thursday to Tuesday to create UEFA’s so-called Week of Football.

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