Brazil’s Vasco da Gama take steps to protect itself from bankruptcy
February 26 – With mounting debts, Brazilian club Vasco da Gama has taken steps to protect itself from bankruptcy.
World Football
Peru’s Alianza Lima beat Boca Juniors in shoot-out to stay in Copa Libertadores qualifiers
February 26 – Alianza Lima of Peru defeated Boca Juniors 5-4 from the penalty spot to eliminate the Argentinians from the Copa Libertadores qualifiers.
Final four announce preliminary rosters for 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals next month
February 26 – Canada, Mexico, Panama and the USA have all announced 60-player preliminary rosters for the Nations League Finals to be played March 20 and March 23 – both match days to be played as double headers at the SoFi Stadium in Hollywood Park, Los Angeles. Final 23-player rosters will be announced March 10.
Top player, top tournament? Is AFCON why Salah won’t win Ballon d’Or?
February 26 – Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has drawn the ire of former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand with his comments disparaging the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Bayern launch Instagram channel for training and talent spotting
February 26 – Youth talent development and global scouting are key weapons in the arsenal of clubs looking to get an edge, and that’s one of the reasons FC Bayern Munich have just released @fcbayernpathway.
BFU bans leading academy from national training base after referee attacked at U14 cup final
February 26 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has terminated its relations with the Ares Football Academy and banned all of their teams from training at the Boyana National Football Base.
Dyukov will not stand in UEFA ExCo election, Klaveness to run for quota place
February 25 – Russian Football Union (RFU) president Alexander Dyukov will not retain his seat on the UEFA Executive Committee (ExCo), one of Europe’s most influential football bodies.
On Monday, UEFA released the list of candidates for the ExCo elections that will take place in six weeks in the Serbian capital Belgrade at the organisation’s congress. Dyukov was not included, and will not stand for reelection.
EPL cuts Fox as Tubi snags Mexico rights for rest of season
February 25 – The English Premier League has severed its four-year deal with Fox Sports México following the broadcaster’s failure to make payments for this season.
José Mourinho accused of ‘racist statements’ following Istanbul derby
February 25 – José Mourinho is making headline news again for all the wrong reasons after his latest controversial outburst about Turkish football.
PSV hope Wasserman can boost commercial ambitions
February 25 – Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven have announced a strategic partnership with global sports agency Wasserman, aimed at enhancing the club’s commercial operations.
Van Persie returns to bring ‘attacking and polished’ football to Feyenoord
February 25 – Robin van Persie has been named the new manager of Dutch giants Feyenoord, signing a contract that extends until 2027 with the club where his playing career began.
Closed canteen and job cuts at Manchester United as club tighten purse strings
February 25 – Just how bad are things at Manchester United? The club are languishing in 15th place in the English Premier League and staff are being laid off in record numbers.
Mesut Özil enters Turkish politics as part of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s party
February 25 – Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil has decided to enter the political game as a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi).
Čeferin talks globalism and Champions League in a world that has not been as dangerous since pre-WW2
February 25 – UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin reckons that 99% of people are now satisfied with the Champions League but says there is no discussion about taking the final of the competition to the US, despite the new partnership with new US-based marketing agency Relevent.
Marseilles president accuses French refs of rigging games after loss to Auxerre
February 24 – Marseille president Pablo Longoria (pictured) faces almost certain punishment from French footballing authorities after an outburst on Saturday in which he claimed his club were the victims of “corruption” following a 3-0 Ligue 1 loss to Auxerre.