Russian football so bad, I have been nominated for RFU President, says Mutko
By David Gold
July 21 – Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has emerged as a contender for the vacant post of President of the Russian Football Union (RFU).
Europe
Capello set to be confirmed as Russia coach
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Former England manager Fabio Capello has agreed to become Russia’s new coach, the Russian Football Union (RFU) has confirmed, with local media suggesting the Italian could earn a staggering R392 million (£8 million/$12 million/€10 million) a year.
CSKA Moscow land sponsorship deal with Aeroflot
By David Gold
July 20 – Russian Premier League outfit CSKA Moscow have agreed a R288 million (£5.7million/$9million/€7.3million) sponsorship deal with Aeroflot.
French Government scrutinise Ibrahimović’s “astronomic” PSG wages
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – The French Government has questioned the wages being paid to Zlatan Ibrahimović following the Swedish striker’s high-profile move from AC Milan to big-spending Paris Saint Germain (PSG) for a reported €20 million (£16 million/$25 million).
“I have a dream,” declares Hearn as he renews Olympic Stadium sharing mission
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has renewed his call for sharing the Olympic Stadium with West Ham United once London 2012 is over.
FIFA delay is “positive”, claims Kosovan football boss
By Andrew Warshaw
July 19 – Kosovan football authorities have reacted with cautious optimism to FIFA’s decision to postpone a decision on whether the Balkan province can play international friendlies.
FIFA postpones Kosovo decision
By Andrew Warshaw
July 18 – Kosovo will have to wait at least until the end of September before it finds out whether it can, after all, play international friendlies.
English FA chairman will not support 2015 election bid by Blatter
By David Gold in Westminster in London
July 17 – English Football Association (FA) chairman David Bernstein will not support a bid by Sepp Blatter to stand for election again in 2015, he said here today.
Dundee step up to Scottish Premier League to replace demoted Glasgow Rangers
By Andrew Warshaw
July 16 – Dundee, who finished runners-up in the Scottish First Division last season, seem certain to replace ailing Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) next term.
Germany “appalled” by ISL affair as calls come in for Blatter to quit
By Andrew Warshaw
July 16 – The pressure on FIFA President Sepp Blatter over the ISL bribery affair shows no sign of relenting after German football officials said they were “appalled” and one of them suggested he step down.
New Rangers to start life in Scottish Third Division
By Andrew Warshaw
July 13 – Scottish giants Rangers were sensationally ordered to start life in their new guise in the lowest tier of Scottish football today, the ultimate humiliation for one of most iconic names in European football.
Al-Hasawi family complete Nottingham Forest takeover
By Andrew Warshaw
July 11 – Yet another Middle East venture is investing in English football with the news that Nottingham Forest has been taken over by Kuwait’s Al-Hasawi family.
World Cup-winning captain Deschamps succeeds Blanc as France coach
By David Gold
July 9 – Didier Deschamps has been confirmed as the new coach of the French national team, taking over from Laurent Blanc.
Mancini tipped as new Russia coach
By Andrew Warshaw
July 9 – Reports from Russia and Italy say Roberto Mancini could quit his role as manager of Manchester City to take over the Russian national team on a six-year contract that would cover the period of the country hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Former Israeli Minister takes over Hapoel Tel Aviv
By David Gold
July 7 – A former Israeli Health and Justice Minister, Haim Ramon, has taken over Hapoel Tel Aviv.