Matthäus signs on for Morocco 2026 final push
May 21 – In a late run to pick up support ahead of next month’s 2026 world cup vote, Morocco have named former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus as its latest promotional ambassador.
Task Force ruling on Morocco 2026 eligibility expected end May
By Andrew Warshaw
May 18 – Morocco’s attempt to wrest the 2026 World Cup away from the North American favourites reaches its most decisive point to date on May 29 when FIFA’s evaluation Task Force delivers its verdict on whether the north Africans have met the criteria and can be on the ballot paper in Moscow.
Russia 2018 contenders Belgium extend Martinez deal through to 2020 Euros
By Samindra Kunti
May 18 – Roberto Martinez has extended his contract with Belgium in a two-year deal. He will remain Belgium’s coach until Euro 2020.
James Dostoyevsky: There is the carrot. And then there is the stick.
The FIFA trials – somewhat misnamed as they were very much more to do with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL and greedy individuals – are not over. A lot of people are still trembling in their shoes and watching carefully – but what for?
Oyston discusses Blackpool sale with Sneijder’s vSport to settle debt to Latvian Belokon
By Paul Nicholson
May 18 – English Football League club Blackpool who had a brief and colourful season in the Premier League in 2010-11 but have since dropped to third tier League 1, could have new owners in the shape of a Singaporean consortium – vSport – that has Wesley Sneijder on it board.
Luis Rubiales takes helm at Spanish FA, finally ending reign of ‘untouchable’ Villar
May 18 – He was among the biggest kingpins in European football – a FIFA and UEFA vice-president – and even for a time stood as interim UEFA president.
Argentina sign three Chinese sponsors for Russia 2018 debut
May 18 – The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has scored a hat-trick of sponsorship deal with Chinese companies. The news is timely boost for AFA, whose dysfunctions where highlighted again by the ‘flirting manual’.
National duty: Zylofon Cash stump up $10m for Ghana Premier League
May 21 – The Ghana FA has agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with Zylofon Cash to become the headline sponsor of the Ghana Premier League in a deal reportedly worth $2 million a season.
Maradona to head for Belarusia’s Dinamo Brest post World Cup
May 18 – He’s done some novel things since hanging up his boots and now Diego Maradona has entered new territory again by signing a three-year contract to become chairman of the Belarusian side Dinamo Brest after the World Cup.
FA Cup record breakers Man Utd on course for £578m year end
May18 – On the eve of their record-equalling 20th FA Cup final appearance, Manchester United have reported third quarter revenue up 8% on the same period last year to £137.5 million, putting them on course for a year end revenue figure of £578 – 585 million.
Messi is best player in Europe, Man City have 6 in top 10, Spurs’ Kane ranks 10th
May 18 – Lionel Messi was the best player in European club football this season and Manchester City’s David Silva was the second best. Sergio Aguero was better than Mohamed Salah and they were both better than Harry Kane.
Europa League final: Atletico show their class, but fans show their lack of it as UEFA issue charges
By Samindra Kunti in Lyon
May 17 – Atletico Madrid outclassed Marseille 3-0 to win their third Europa League with an Antoine Griezmann’s brace and captain Gabi’s late goal. The final in Lyon passed off without major crowd incidents, though UEFA have still issued disciplinary charges against both clubs from racism to causing acts of damage in the stadium.
Sexy football, sexy time? Argentine FA apologise for sexist gaffe
May 17 – The Argentine Football Association has apologised for the publication of a World Cup manual that included advice on how to seduce Russian women.
Ligue 1’s St Etienne enters takeover talks with US venture capitalists PEAK6
May 17 – US investment fund PEAK6, a minority owner of Serie A’s Roma that also holds a 25% stake in Premier League Bournemouth, is taking aim at another of Europe’s Big 5 leagues having entered into exclusive takeover talks with French Ligue 1 club Saint-Etienne.
European stakeholders refuse to be railroaded into Infantino’s $25bn calendar shake-up
May 17 – Europe’s leading football stakeholders have joined forces to oppose Gianni Infantino’s plans to radically change the game’s global landscape by saying they have “serious reservations about the process” surrounding his proposal to enlarge the Club World Cup to 24 teams and create a biennial global Nations League.