Oceania back ‘pre-award’ of 2026 World Cup to US, Canada and Mexico
April 19 – Oceania have come out in favour of allowing the tripartite US, Canada and Mexico bid for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup to be speeded up.
Southampton’s £210m+ sale to Chinese investors is ‘on’, but to which group?
By Paul Nicholson
April 19 – The news that Lander Sports had pulled out of the £210 million+ acquisition of Premier League Southampton was premature. Even if Lander fail to raise the cash to complete the sale, a second, as yet unnamed, bidder from China is waiting in the wings and has the money ready to proceed.
What crisis? CBF reports record $208m revenues as sponsorship holds strong
By Samindra Kunti
April 19 – The Brazilian FA (CBF) has reported record revenue of $208.1 million for 2016, closing the book year with a surplus of $14.16 million, a drop from the $23.16 million in 2015.
Russia passes new laws to fight threat of fan violence at 2018 World Cup
April 17 – Amid concerns over disruption at next year’s World Cup, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a federal law that will toughen penalties for “gross violations” at sporting events by both Russian and visiting fans.
Bayern fury as multiple referee blunders gift CL semi-final spot to Real Madrid
By Andrew Warshaw
April 17 – It’s hard enough to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu at the best of times, even harder when you go into a game against them a goal down from the first leg.
Gibraltar FA to buy ‘home’ stadium on the Rock for £16.6m
April 19 – One of UEFA’s newest members, the Gibraltar FA, is to buy a stadium within its borders which will enable it to develop a venue where it will be able to host national team fixtures and European club matches.
Police arrest suspects for shooting of Panama’s Henriquez
April 19 – Panamanian authorities say they’ve arrested seven people in connection with the killing of the country’s international midfielder Amilcar Henriquez.
AC Milan target their own stadium, a market listing and Chinese opportunities
April 18 – New owner, a new stadium and a new stock market listing. AC Milan has completed one of the three with the new owners promising that the other two are on the cards.
Panama international Henriquez shot dead in Colón
April 18 – Panama international Amilcar Henriquez has been shot and killed outside his home in the country’s Colón province, authorities there have confirmed.
China’s Lander forced to pull out of £200m+ Saints buy
By Paul Nicholson
April 18 – China’s march into European club ownership looks to have been halted with the announcement by Lander Sports that it is shelving plans to buy Premier League Southampton.
Argentina’s new top brass head for Zurich in bid to get Messi ban halved
April 18 – Lionel Messi could have his four-match international suspension halved at an appeal hearing next month, according to Argentina reports.
Nice to return to CL play as they keep pressure on PSG and Monaco
April 18 – OGC Nice have booked a ticket for next season’s Champions League after a comfortable 3-1 win against Nancy, guaranteeing a top three finish in Ligue 1.
Brighton’s bust to boom journey takes them to Premier League’s promised land
By Andrew Warshaw
April 18 – It may not match Leicester City’s Premier League title success last season — arguably the greatest ever team sport feat – but fans of Brighton and Hove Albion are celebrating another remarkable landmark.
Bastia fans twice invade pitch forcing Lyons match to be abandoned
April 17 – A French Ligue 1 match between Bastia and Lyon was abandoned at the weekend after the Corsican home fans twice invaded the pitch to try and attack opposition players.
Failed relegation fight took toll on Newcastle United profits
By David Owen
April 17 – Newcastle United, the Tyneside club close to sealing an immediate return to the Premier League under big-name Spanish manager Rafa Benítez, have reported a sharp downturn in profits for their relegation season. Pre-tax profit plunged to £4.2 million for the year to 30 June 2016, against £36.2 million, the second-highest in the league, in 2014-15.