Bayern Munich launch Chinese credit card with CIB
April 2 – The German push into the Chinese market notched up another partnership with Bayern Munich signing a co-branded credit card deal with Industrial Bank of China (CIB).
Punchy Pickford scores unwanted own goal at home
April 2 – England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is being investigated by his club Everton over an alleged fracas in his home city of Sunderland at the weekend.
Lyons, Man City, Atletico Madrid and North Carolina Courage women lined up for ICC
April 2 – The second year of the Women’s International Champions Cup, the women’s version of the men’s International Champions Cup (ICC) organised by Relevent Sports, will be played as a four-team tournament in August at North Carolina Courage’s WakeMed Soccer Park.
Olympiakos and Forest owner Marinakis unearths a Diamond S. $1.65bn win
April 2 – Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, clinging on to hope of a play-off slot for a Premier League place, has sealed a major deal in another part of his business empire with the launch of new corporation, Diamond S. Shipping Inc, on to the New York Stock Exchange.
LaLiga’s Tebas slams UEFA and ECA for selling a ‘SuperChampions League’ lie
By Paul Nicholson
April 1 – LaLiga president Javier Tebas has hammered the plans of UEFA and the European Club Association to create what he calls a “SuperChampions League” that he says would only widen the divide between Europe’s rich and poor clubs and threaten the sustainability of national leagues.
FIFA medical chief d’Hooghe uses Schar incident to warn of dangers of concussion
By Andrew Warshaw
April 1 – FIFA’s top medical official has criticised the decision to allow Fabian Schar to play on during Switzerland’s recent Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia after suffering from concussion – and warned that authorities have to be ultra-careful when it comes to head clashes.
Cosafa Cup under threat after Zimbabwe pull out of hosting Afcon warm-up event
April 1 – This year’s Cosafa Cup is in danger of being scrapped after the Southern African regional body accused Zimbabwe of reneging on an agreement to host.
Espanyol target China with Wu Lei signing and soccer school expansion
April 1 – Espanyol Barcelona have signed a strategic partnership with Chinese football school San Gao FC, expanding their operations in China. Atletico Madrid and the DFL also have plans to tap into the Chinese market.
Platini still critical of VAR, but Cardiff wouldn’t agree after Chelsea loss
April 1 – Former UEFA president Michel Platini, who always resisted extending goalline technology to other forms of scientific aids for referees, has once again waded into the debate over the video assistant refereeing system, partly blaming the media for its implementation.
Mexico to host Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship; winners set for Paraguay World Cup
April 1 – Puerto Vallerta in Mexico will be the venue for the Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship, scheduled to take place May 13-19.
Bullingham steps up at English FA to tale lead role
April 1 – The English Football Association has named internal candidate Mark Bullingham as the successor to outgoing Chief Executive Martin Glenn who is stepping down at the end of the season after four years in charge.
Montagliani returned for new term as Concacaf finds its happy place
By Paul Nicholson in Las Vegas
March 29 – Canadian Victor Montagliani has won a second term as president of the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation Concacaf. The congress in Las Vegas, US, also saw Sonia Fulford given another four-year term as Concacaf’s women’s rep on the FIFA Council.
Rubiales to give opening address at Sports Law at the Crossroads forum
March 29 – Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish federation (RFEF), will give the opening address at Sports Law at the Crossroads conference in Madrid, May 10-11.
US boss Cordeiro says door to Conmebol for 2020 is still open but sales windows are closing fast
By Paul Nicholson in Las Vegas
March 29 – US Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro says the invitation to Conmebol’s 10 federations to play in the US in a 16-team tournament in 2020 is still open, despite Conmebol saying it will host the 2020 edition of the Copa America in Argentina and Colombia.
Nations League draw marks a key change in gear for Concacaf’s competition calendar
By Paul Nicholson in Las Vegas
March 29 – The draw for the inaugural Concacaf Nations League has taken place in Las Vegas, US, preceding the governing bodies annual congress with all 41 member federations set to participate in an official regional tournament for the first time.