Barca’s socios bid to oust Bartomeu gathers support
September 9 – A campaign by Barcelona fans to force a vote of no confidence in club president Josep-Maria Bartomeu (pictured) is halfway to its goal according to local reports.
World Football
Bellerin buys into the eco-agenda with stake in Forest Green Rovers
September 9 – Recognised by FIFA and the United Nations as the world’s most environmentally sustainable club, Forest Green Rovers have now attracted attention from Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin who has become the club’s second-largest shareholder.
ECA and Juve boss Agnelli warns of two year €4bn Covid cash crisis for clubs
By Andrew Warshaw
September 8 – The head of European club football’s umbrella organisation warned today of the “deep scars” caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the probable “cash crisis” for scores of clubs in the months ahead.
UEFA puts Super Cup tickets on sale for travelling Bayern and Sevilla fans
September 8 – Tickets have gone on sale for the European Super Cup between Bayern Munich and Sevilla, due to be the first UEFA club match with fans in attendance since the coronavirus shutdown.
England starlets Foden and Greenwood shamed and sent home after Covid kerfuffle
September 8 – Two of England’s most exciting young players have been sent home in disgrace from international duty for breaking Covid-19 rules as indiscipline and irresponsibility not for the first time made footballing headlines across the country.
Man City Covid crisis as Mahrez and Laporte told to self-isolate
September 8 – Manchester City are the latest high-profile club to be hit with fresh Covid-19 outbreaks, with both Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte testing positive just days before the start of the new Premier League season.
Covid fear: Italian government nervous of opening stadia for start of Serie A
September 7 – With the Serie A season imminent, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has voiced his concern over fans attending matches, arguing that it would be inappropriate at the present time.
Rubiales vs Tebas: Spanish FA boss set for 4 more years of battle with LaLiga supremo
September 7 – Luis Rubiales is certain to be re-elected as Spanish FA president for another four years after emerging as the sole candidate to stand in elections later this month.
OL’s Aulas demands €117.7m from Ligue 1 for ending 2019/20 season early
September 4 – The row over the premature ending of France’s 2019/20 Ligue 1 season is rumbling on with Olympique Lyonnais (OL) demanding €117.7 million in compensation.
Coronavirus: Neymar positive test threatens PSG vs Lens fixture
September 4 – The new French season has been plunged into further chaos after defending champions Paris St Germain announced three more positive cases of COVID-19 in their squad, 24 hours after unconfirmed reports that Brazilian superstar Neymar was one of them following a holiday in Ibiza.
Bundesliga takes small steps towards small crowds under close government scrutiny
September 4 – Germany’s professional clubs want to welcome back a limited number of fans in the new Bundesliga season, but league boss Christian Seifert has admitted that it will be “a demanding and difficult season.”
Corinthians engineer stadium debt relief with 20-year Neo Química naming rights deal
September 4 – Brazil’s Corinthians have taken a significant step towards paying off the $98 million debt of its stadium development with a the signing of a naming rights deal.
From war camp to national symbol: Stadium Mogadishu hosts first youth tournament
September 4 – Somalia’s Stadium Mogadishu has taken another step forward with the return of competitive football after 16 years, during most of which time it was used as a military camp.
Asian Cup Champions Qatar to guest at Gold Cup in US
By Paul Nicholson
September 3 – Qatar will play as a guest nation in the next two editions of the Gold Cup in the US , the blue riband national team event for Concacaf’s member countries, in 2021 and 2023. The Asian Cup Champions are also scheduled to guest at Conmebol’s Copa America in 2021 as they prepare for their own hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
Concacaf expands its Gold Cup with new knock-out round and updated draw structure
By Paul Nicholson
September 3 – Concacaf has further expanded its bi-annual Gold Cup with a series of changes that increase member nation participation and the integrity of the competition structure.