MLS newcomers sign local TV deals for 2015 debuts
December 23 – MLS expansion team newcomers, New York City FC and Orlando City SC, have secured official local television partners to showcase their inaugural seasons in the league.
World Football
Bleacher Report suspended after infringing Premier League video rights
By Mark Baber
December 22 – The UK Twitter account of The Bleacher Report was temporarily suspended by Twitter over the weekend after the Premier League complained the feed was sharing videos of Premier League action to which it did not own the rights.
Razgrad city pumps in more cash to complete Ludogorets Arena
By Alexander Krassimirov
December 22 – Bulgaria’s Ludogorets Razgrad will receive an additional BGN 1 million (€500,000) from the Razgrad Municipality to continue the renovation of its stadium, the Ludogorets Arena.
FIFA warns Israel to speed up Palestinian talks or face sanction
By Andrew Warshaw
December 22 – Israel and Palestine have been urged by FIFA to step up their efforts to allow for the free movement of Palestinian players and officials in the West Bank and Gaza.
New stadia plans passed for Vegas and Washington DC
December 22 – “Soccer-specific” stadiums seem to be spawning all across the US. In the last week D.C. United and Las Vegas both received financial backing from local councils to build their own respective stadiums.
Ligue 1 Lens look to back-up plan as promises of Mammadov cash look shaky
By Samindra Kunti
December 22 – The president of RC Lens, Gervais Martel, has said that majority shareholder Hafiz Mammadov (pictured) from Azerbaijan may be replaced by another Azeri investor if Mammadov doesn’t meet his obligations before December 31.
Bahamas scores Caribbean first, winning 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup bid
December 22 – The Bahamas will become the first Caribbean nation to host a senior FIFA tournament when it welcomes the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Sparta Prague to modernise stadium, boost retail space revenue
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
December 19 – Daniel Kretinsky, the owner of Sparta Prague, has unveiled plans to modernise the Czech club’s stadium to boost its retail space and revenue. Under the proposal, the project would begin in the spring of 2016.
2014 AFF final pitches Tigers against Elephants in Kuala Lumpur
December 19 – The 10th edition of the ASEAN Football Championship, known as the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup, comes to its climax on Saturday as Malaysia meet Thailand in Kuala Lumpur in the second leg of the final, looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.
Aguirre to lead Japan at Asian Cup, despite Spanish match-fixing probe
December 19 – Japan will stick with coach Javier Aguirre for next month’s Asian Cup in Australia, despite the Mexican being involved in Spain’s burgeoning match-fixing scandal.
Dietmar Hopp given go-ahead to take majority stake in 1899 Hoffenheim
By Mark Baber
December 19 – The Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) has given the go-ahead for SAP-founder Dietmar Hopp to take a majority stake in TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – the village club he brought from lower league obscurity to Bundesliga glory – with effect from 1 July 2015.
Rangers put Llambias in charge as cost cuts and crisis loans come under scrutiny
December 19 – The on-going turmoil at Scottish giant Rangers has taken another ownership twist with board member Derek Llambias appointed at the club’s new chief executive.
Levski Sofia budget 75% of income for wages but will fail FFP rules
By Alexander Krassimirov
December 19 – The owner of the Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia Todor Batkov (pictured) has announced that the club’s budget for next year will amount to BGN 8 million (€4 million), BGN 6 million of which will be spent on club salaries – players and officials.
FIFPro warns players away from no-money Serbian clubs
December 19 – Players union FIFPro has taken the unusual step of advising its members not to agree contracts in Serbia as there is a high risk that they would not get paid their salaries. Their warning came out joints with the Serbian professional footballers association Nezavisnost (SPFN).
Igbokwe gives FIFA three days to annul Pinnick election before court action
By Mark Baber
December 18 – Barrister Leo Iyke Igbokwe, one of the aggrieved losing candidates in the disputed September 30 elections which saw Amaju Pinnick win the Presidency of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), told journalists Tuesday that if FIFA did not annul the elections within three days, he would take the matter to court.