Giggs’ Welsh return on hold as court date pushed to August
January 19 – The trial of Wales manager Ryan Giggs over alleged domestic violence has been delayed until August 8 – due to a lack of court space.
Integrity
SIGA keeps the sport integrity pressure on with Azores MoU
January 19 – The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has continued to gather new members and supporters with the signing of what is described as a ‘large scale’ co-operation agreement with the Government of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal.
Belgium football ripped apart as prosecutors name 57 in ‘Clean Hands’ probe
By Samindra Kunti
January 17 – Brugge strongmen Bart Verhaeghe and Vincent Mannaert, AA Gent’s Michel Louwagie, Standard’s Bruno Venanzi, Charleroi’s Mehdi Bayat and FIFA’s Steven Martens were named among the 57 suspects that the federal prosecutor wants in court in operation ‘Clean Hands’, the largest investigation into match-fixing and corruption in the history of Belgian football.
FIFA technical director Martens wanted in connection with Belgian corruption case
By Samindra Kunti
January 17 – Belgian authorities want FIFA technical director Steven Martens in court. He was named as one of 57 football administrators, coaches and referees that the federal prosecutor wants to charge as part of operation ‘Clean Hands’, the largest investigation into match-fixing and corruption in the history of the Belgian game.
Football Australia issues ‘show cause notice’ after homophobic abuse of Adelaide’s Cavallo
January 17 – Football Australia has issued a ‘show cause notice’ to A-League club Melbourne Victory following homophobic chanting by supporters in a match against Adelaide United on January 13.
AFC sets Child Safeguarding Policy and pledges to implement across region
January 13 – The Asian Football Confederation has launched its first-ever AFC Child Safeguarding Policy.
Swiss prosecutors keep spotlight on Al-Khelaifi and Valcke over alleged World Cup TV deal
January 11 – Almost a year after launching an appeal, Swiss prosecutors have a second chance to win their case against beIN Sport supremo and Paris St Germain boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi over the allocation of World Cup TV rights.
Premier League wins $213m in High Court court over collapsed Chinese TV deal
January 12 – A Chinese broadcaster has been ordered to pay the English Premier League $213 million by the High Court in London over the collapse of one of the league’s most lucrative international rights agreements.
Ivory Coast keeper Gbohou banned from AFCON after testing positive for heart drug
January 12 – Ivory Coast’s AFCON hopes have been dealt a potentially damaging blow with their No. 1 goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo banned by FIFA for an alleged doping violation after testing positive for trimetazidine.
Macedo de Medeiros set for new term leading SIGA’s sport integrity challenge
January 12 – The mercurial Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros is set to continue as the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) Global CEO for a further four years.
Judge dismisses paedophile claims against Man City as being ‘out of time’
January 11 – Eight men who sued Manchester City after claiming they were abused by notorious paedophile Barry Bennell more than 30 years ago have lost a High Court battle.
New WADA report shows near 50% drop drug testing during pandemic
By David Owen
January 11 – New figures from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have detailed a sharp decline in the number of drug tests, owing to covid.
Belgian Pro League chair Croonen quits saying the club-league tightrope walk is too difficult
December 21 – Peter Croonen (pictured) has stepped down as chairman of the Belgian Pro League after a dispute over the domestic calendar with Racing Genk, the club he also chairs.
UEFA certified as Equal-Salary employer
December 20 – UEFA has been certified as an EQUAL-SALARY employer, the first sports organisation to do so.
Qatari court jails former SC comms chief Ibhais for 3-years on fraud charge
By Samindra Kunti in Lusail, Qatar
December 15 – On appeal, Abdullah Ibhais, a former employee of the Supreme Committee for Legacy and Delivery (SC), was sentenced to three years in prison for “fraud” in Qatari court on Wednesday.