KPMG Sports opens up data resource for football business
June 12 – The sports practice of accountancy and advisory firm KPMG has launched a web portal analysing the business performance of professional clubs at www.footballbenchmark.com.
FIFA comms supremo De Gregorio exits
By Andrew Warshaw
June 12 – FIFA’s deepening crisis has taken on yet another adverse twist with the announcement that communications chief Walter De Gregorio has stepped down “with immediate effect”.
What crisis? Russia puts 2018 transportation plan into gear
By Paul Nicholson in Moscow
June 12 – Russia is forging ahead with its transport infrastructure build whether there is a crisis within FIFA or not, said Nikolay Asaul, deputy minister of transport of the Russian Federation, speaking at the World Football Forum in Moscow.
Will Mr Bee save AC Milan?
By Mark Baber
June 12 – A week into the eight week negotiating period for Mr Bee Taechaubol (known as “Mr Bee” in the Italian media) to take a 48% stake in AC Milan, what the deal will mean for one of Europe’s most illustrious clubs is unclear, with Mr Bee denouncing Italian press speculation as to his meddling in team affairs whilst the end for manager end of Filippo Inzaghi seems certain.
CONMEBOL returns to football with Copa America kick off
By Samindra Kunti
June 12 – The 2015 Copa America began with a spectacular opening ceremony and a victory for the hosts Chile, but the tournament is taking place under a cloud amid corruption allegations against football administrators and politicians.
Lionel Messi to go on trial over alleged €4.1m tax fraud
By Mark Baber
June 12 – Often regarded as the greatest player of his generation, Lionel Messi now faces trial on charges that, between 2007 and 2009 he benefitted from a complex network of companies set up by his father to keep €4.1m in taxes from the Spanish authorities.
Interpol suspends anti-corruption agreement with FIFA
By David Owen
June 12 – Interpol has suspended a landmark four-year-old agreement with FIFA following investigations into corruption against world football’s governing body.
Baskin-Robbins activate Liverpool deal with Indonesia promo
By Tom Parsons
June 12 – The largest chain of ice-cream specialty shops, Baskin-Robbins, are giving Liverpool fans in Indonesia the chance of a lifetime this summer to celebrate the Merseyside club visiting Southeast Asia on their pre-season tour.
Digicel dial in to the City Football global play
By Tom Parsons
June 12 – Digicel have announced a new multi-year partnership with Manchester City and New York City FC to create an array of multi-media content for audiences of both football clubs as well as community coaching in many areas across the globe.
Canada 2015 catches fire as TV audiences break records with hosts leading way
By Samindra Kunti
June 11 – The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup has caught the imagination of the fans and TV viewers, but ultimately the success of the tournament may depend on host nation Canada’s fortunes.
German power play? Niersbach puts forward radical FIFA reform plan
By Mark Baber
June 11 – In an open letter, sent to the 26,000 clubs organised in the German Football Association (DFB) and published on the DFB web site, DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach has put forward a 10-point plan for FIFA reform. With the battle for control of football about to enter a critical phase, Niersbach suggests ending the current system of one member one vote in FIFA decision-making.
Cristiano Ronaldo tops Europe’s ‘Most Marketable’ footballer ranking
By Mark Baber
June 11- The latest study by market research company Repucom has again ranked Cristiano Ronaldo top of the list of European as well as the world’s most marketable football players.
US Department of Justice leaks drive FIFA corruption news agenda
By Mark Baber
June 11 – Whilst former FIFA executive Jack Warner on Tuesday used his own newspaper to blast the US investigation against him, it has become clear that the news agenda on the FIFA corruption crisis is being driven by selective leaking from inside the US Department of Justice.
CONCACAF postpones U15 Boys championship
June 11 – CONCACAF has postponed its U15 Boys Championship originally scheduled to be played in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica this August until further notice.
Jarritos brings sponsorship cheer to Gold Cup roster
June 11 – After a traumatic two weeks, it is almost business as usual at CONCACAF. Today national teams qualified for the Gold Cup announced their provisional 35 player rosters for the July tournament. While on the commercial side the confederation for north and central America and the Caribbean announced a new Gold Cup sponsor.