Swansea City poised to take ownership of Liberty Stadium
August 15 – Premier League Swansea City is close to taking ownership of its Liberty Stadium from the local council on a 30-year lease.
Qatar’s HIA signs symbolic deal for Bayern Munich sleeve sponsorship
August 15 – Bayern Munich have agreed a six-year sleeve sponsorship with Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA). It is Bayern’s first sleeve sponsorship under the new advertising rules that have come into the Bundesliga for this season which kicks off Friday.
Southampton sold: Liebherr hands over control to China’s Gao family
By Paul Nicholson
August 14 – Southampton owner Katarina Liebherr has finally concluded the sale of control of the club to Chinese investors. In a letter to fans Liebherr said that she has entered into partnership with the Gao family.
Was FIFA already working with the FBI before the Zurich arrests in May 2015?
By Paul Nicholson
August 14 – FIFA had advance warning of the impeding US Department of Justice assault on corrupt officials within its organisation and had taken steps to defend itself via an agreement with top US law firm Quinn Emmanuel.
Las Vegas rolls the dice with new USL franchise for 2018
August 14 – Probably the worst kept secret of the USL, the second-tier of professional leagues in the US, has become official. Las Vegas will have a team playing in the 2018 competition.
Morocco lay down formal challenge to US, Mexico and Canada for 2026 World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
August 14 – As widely anticipated, Morocco has formally decided to take on the three-way candidacy of the United States, Mexico and Canada in a bid to stage the 2026 World Cup.
Senegal re-elect Senghor while Tanzania opt for Karia as African FAs go to the polls
August 14 – At the weekend, Me Augustin Senghor (pictured) was re-elected for a third four-year term as the head of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) whilst the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) elected Wallace Karia, former vice-president as the new president.
Breaking down Chinese walls: Man City hit 350k mark
August 14 – Manchester City has delivered more than 10,000 sessions to over 352,000 young people, aged 6-19 years old in the past 10 months as part of its football schools programme.
FIFA ask Iran to explain ban of two national team players who played against Maccabi
August 14 – Iran is being formally asked by FIFA to provide further information as to why it banned two Iranian internationals for life as punishment for playing for their Greek club against an Israeli side.
Saints power up for new season with Utilita
August 17 – Premier League Southampton, the subject of a long running but so far uncompleted takeover by Chinese group Lander Sports, has secured a deal closer to home with the singing of local firm Utilita as its Official Energy and Utilities Partner.
Rummenigge to step down at ECA. Gazidis, Lawwell or Woodward to step up?
By Andrew Warshaw
August 11 – Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, one of the most influential figures in European football, has announced he is stepping down as head of the European Club Association.
Iran bans two national team players for playing for Greek club vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
August 11 – In a move which prompted fans – presumably from outside of the country – to take to social media to express their anger, two Iranian internationals have been banned for life from their national team as punishment for playing for their Greek club against an Israeli side.
Emirates keeps its PSG deal flying, as Neymar set for Ligue1 take-off
August 11 – Emirates will sponsor Paris Saint-Germain until 2019, the Dubai-based airline confirmed it will honour its agreement to the end of its term, notwithstanding the Gulf crisis that has seen the United Arab Emirates sever links with Qatar.
USL adds new teams in Birmingham and Austin for 2019
August 11 –United Soccer League, the second tier of US professional football, has announced two new clubs in Birmingham, Alabama, and Austin, Texas, who will being playing in the 2019 season.
Aussie club vs federation row deepens as FIFA peace process finds no quick win
August 11 – The entire future of the game in Australia hangs in the balance after talks on establishing a new governance model broke down despite a FIFA delegation flying Down Under to try and sort out the impasse.