Croatian probe into black market World Cup final tickets
September 24 – An investigation has been opened by Croatian authorities into the alleged sale of black market tickets for the World Cup final.
Germany vs Turkey: Euro 2024 bidders go all-in as pre-vote lobbying intensifies
By Andrew Warshaw
September 21 – With just under a week to go until the battle to stage the 2024 Euros reaches its denouement, head-to-head rivals Germany and Turkey are stepping up the rhetoric to try and get over the line in what promises to be a result every bit as close the Turks’ bid for 2016 when they lost by one vote eight years ago.
Nigeria and FIFA get their man. Pinnick wins second term and promises ‘turning point’
September 21 – Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, recently elected vice-president of the African Football Confederation, achieved a widely expected landslide victory in the race for the presidency of his national federation, securing a second term after crushing his opponents.
Celtic’s domestic dominance pushes revenue past £100m with £27m of cash in the bank
By Paul Nicholson
September 21 – Scottish Double Treble winners Celtic have announced record revenue of £101.6 million, an £11 million improvement on the previous year and a doubling of profit to £17.3 million before tax.
FIFA back Johansen warning Sierra Leone corruption police to stay out of SLFA
September 21 – In a clear sign that it still supports beleaguered Sierra Leone FA president Isha Johansen despite a bitter power struggle at home, FIFA have warned the country it risks an international ban following a move to overturn the leadership of the federation.
Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe star as EA ramps up FIFA 19 for launch
September 21 – The build-up to the launch of the FIFA 19 video game from EA Sports is in full swing with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe starring in a new ad for the game tagged ‘Champions Rise’ that goes on sale September 28.
Man City spearheads CFG drive into China with second office in Shenzen
September 21 – Manchester City owner City Football Group (CFG), has opened a second office in China, in Shenzen.
DFL to launch new eSports competition for Bundesliga clubs
September 21 – The football eSports market is opening up in Germany with Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs to get the opportunity to compete against each other via a DFL (Deutsche Fußball Liga) competition for a German championship title.
LaLiga in the US: Spanish FA block game proposal, but Tebas remains defiant
September 21 – The fierce debate over controversial plans to play a top-flight La Liga game in the United States has taken a significant twist with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) blocking the idea, putting them in direct conflict with the league.
West Ham add FX specialists Global Reach as official payments partner
September 21 – London-based foreign exchange business, Global Reach, has become West Ham United’s Official Payments Partner.
Spanish Rugby League build links with Valencian soccer
September 21 – In the lead up to their fixtures in European Championship B against Serbia and Russia, which double as qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, the Spanish rugby league federation is further fostering a close relationship with soccer in the Valencia region.
Luxembourg minnows F91 Dudelange swim with AC Milan big fish
September 21 – Of all the results in the first week of the Champions league and Europa League, arguably the most notable achievement was from a club that actually lost.
FIFA Ethics issues three life bans but questions raised over right to issue fines
By Paul Nicholson
September 20 – FIFA’s ethics committee has imposed life bans on three individuals who pleaded guilty in the FifaGate corruption scandal. FIFA has also slapped $1.03 million fines on each of them, though their claim of jurisdiction for the fines looks to be on shaky ground and incomplete (if not fabricated) information.
FAI joins British FAs for feasibility study into joint 2030 World Cup bid
September 20 – The Republic of Ireland is joining forces with the four ‘home’ British nations to consider making a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup.
ACL semis: Suwon to face Kashima, Al Sadd to meet Persepolis
September 19 – Suwon Samsung Bluewings held their nerve to beat fellow South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on penalties and progress through to the last four of the AFC Champions League following an enthralling quarter-final victory on Wednesday.