Textor fires both barrels at PSG’s ‘illegal’ state finance model, saying rules are not being applied evenly
February 24 – Lyon co-owner John Textor has publicly criticised PSG’s ownership structure, labeling it as ‘illegal’.
World Football
Brazil extends match-fixing probe as English FA decision on Paqueta case nears
February 24 – The Brazilian Senate has extended an investigation into match fixing and sports betting, awaiting the outcome of the FA’s investigation into Lucas Paqueta.
China’s JD.com debuts as final secondary sponsor for UEFA Champions League
February 24 – UEFA has locked in its final secondary sponsor for the Champions League, with Chinese e-commerce powerhouse JD.com joining EA Sports, Oppo, and Topps in the ‘Global Enhanced Product / Service Partner’ tier.
Rangers’ patience runs out and part company with Philippe Clement
February 24 – Scottish giants Rangers have sacked under-fire coach Philippe Clement in the aftermath of back-to-back home defeats, the latest being Saturday’s 2-0 setback against St Mirren.
Central America Leagues plan second meeting in Nicaragua under the wing of WLA
February 24 – The World Leagues Association (WLA) is building its network as it battles to make the voices of the national leagues heard. To that end the Liga Primera Nicaragua will host the second Central American Leagues meeting May 19-20, in Managua, Nicaragua.
MLS docuseries to tell the season’s story on Apple TV+
February 23 – Following in the footsteps of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and F1’s ‘Drive to Survive’, Apple TV+ in conjunction with the league and production company Box to Box has released ‘Onside: Major League Soccer’.
Croatians to tear down Maksimor City Stadium for €175m rebuild
February 23 – The Croatian government and the city of Zagreb, in partnership with Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian FA, have drafted a proposal to knock down and build a brand new Maksimir City Stadium on the same site.
Champions League last 16: Liverpool face PSG, Real and Atleti in Madrid derby
February 21 – In the standout ties of the Champions League’s round of 16, Liverpool have been drawn against perennial contenders Paris Saint-Germain, while reigning champions Real Madrid face crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid in a local derby.
Arne Slot’s team who top the Premier League table, were handed a tough draw as they face the French champions, who waltzed past Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round. In 2018, the pair met in the group stages with both sides winning at home.
Tunisia FA boss and former CAF exco member Wadie Jary handed 4-year jail term for corruption
February 21 – Tunisia’s former chief football official Wadie Jary has reportedly been sentenced to four years in prison on corruption charges.
Eto’o wins battle with CAF for non-jurisdictional ethics sanction
February 21 – Cameroon’s greatest footballing icon Samuel Eto’o has emerged victorious in his long-running legal battle with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), successfully overturning sanctions that had threatened his presidency at the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
Bulgarian tax collectors lift seizure of Levski Sofia’s trademarks after club settles debt
February 2 – The Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) has lifted the seizure of two of Levski Sofia’s club logos after the club paid its state taxes.
The NRA has now designated Levski as a “correct payer”, meaning that the club can now freely use its trademarks without any restrictions.
Brazilian stars complain that artificial turf pitches increase injury threat
February 21 – With drought and water shortages occurring worldwide, artificial turf is seen as one way to combat the crisis, however, leading figures in the game, including Brazilian superstars Neymar, Thiago Silva, and Memphis Depay, are not so sure.
LaLiga publishes squad cost limits following low spending winter window
February 20 – LaLiga has published its latest squad cost limits (SCL) following the winter transfer window, with FC Barcelona receiving the biggest economic increase – a €37.2m upward adjustment.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham escapes with two-match ban for ‘disrespecting’ referee
February 20 – Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has been banned for two domestic games for “disrespect” to the referee who sent him off at Osasuna, but avoided a longer ban for allegedly swearing at the official.
Unopposed Kamanga to serve third term as Zambian FA president
February 20 – Andrew Kamanga has been re-elected for a four-year term as president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) after running unopposed.