German giant Dortmund declares record revenues for 2011-12 campaign
By David Gold
August 30 – German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund has announced record revenues of €215 million (£171 million/$270 million) for the 2011-12 season.
Gold Cup 2025
USA clinch last four slot with penalty win over Costa Rica
USA 2 Costa Rica 2 (USA win 4-3 on pens)
June 29 – You’d hate to use the word ‘sterile’ to describe a Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-final, but following the drama and passion of Guatemala versus Canada, it all felt a little flat as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Costa Rica kicked off for the right to face Guatemala in St. Louis. After 90 minutes and the drama of penalty kicks,
UEFA’s Infantino warns clubs not to overspend at Champions League draw in Monaco
By Andrew Warshaw in Monaco
August 31 – UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino used the high-profile draw for the Champions League group stage to stress to Europe’s top teams today that they must comply with strict new rules on overspending.
Sporting Kansas to keep Livestrong name on stadium
By David Gold
August 31 – Major League Soccer outfit Sporting Kansas City will continue to name their stadium after Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong Foundation, despite the cyclist’s decision not to fight doping allegations.
G4S withdraws from bidding for Brazil 2014 and Rio 2016 security contracts after London 2012 shambles
By Duncan Mackay at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London
August 30 – G4S has ruled out bidding for the security contracts at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics following the fiasco at London 2012, which it confirmed will cost the company £50 million ($78 million/€64 million).
FIFA corruption buster Eckert under the cosh from angry Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – Just weeks after announcing a revamped Ethics Committee aimed at combating corruption as part of his road map to reform, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has criticised one of the body’s two independent chiefs.
Malaysian police probe accusations of high-level embezzlement within AFC
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – Claims that a senior official in Asian football embezzled nearly $10 million (£6.3 million/€8 million) are being investigated in Malaysia, according to reports.
New coach Michel charged with guiding Kenya to maiden World Cup finals in 2014
By David Gold
August 30 – Henri Michel has been named as the new coach of the Kenyan national team, replacing Francis Kimanzi after the country failed to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Farrelly appointed as UEFA’s new communications chief
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – UEFA has appointed from within and chosen David Farrelly to become its new head of communications.
Eto’o quits international game after slamming “amateurish” Cameroon set-up
By David Gold
August 29 – Samuel Eto’o, arguably Africa’s greatest football export, has hit out at Cameroon’s “amateurism” and “bad management”, and insisted he will not return to play for the national team.
PAOK Salonika and Rapid Vienna hit with bans after crowd violence
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – PAOK Salonika of Greece and Austria’s Rapid Vienna have both been hit with one-season bans – suspended for three years – by UEFA following crowd violence before a Europa League playoff match.
Warner’s attempts at media acquisitions spark suspicion in Trinidad and Tobago
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who had an often fraught relationship with the international press during his controversial career at the top table of world football, is apparently negotiating buying two media outlets in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
FIFA’s Valcke back in Brazil for World Cup venue tour
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – Six months being after told he would not be welcome any longer because of a highly publicised rift, FIFA secretary-general Jérôme Valcke is once again back in Brazil on another visit to 2014 World Cup venues having seemingly patched up his differences with the tournament organisers.
Kuwait coach Tufegdžić seriously injured in gun attack
By David Gold
August 29 – Goran Tufegdžić, the coach of the Kuwait national football team, has been shot in the chest, allegedly by a neighbour, and admitted to intensive care in hospital in a serious condition.
Agents banned as Argentina probes alleged tax evasion involving player transfers
By Andrew Warshaw
August 28 – The Federal Administration of Public Income (AFIP), Argentina’s national tax agency, has suspended almost 150 football agents as part of a detailed investigation into alleged tax evasion involving player transfers to overseas clubs.
Étoile kicked out of African Champions League
By David Gold
August 28 – Tunisian outfit Étoile du Sahel have been ejected from Africa’s Champions League after crowd disturbances during their losing match to compatriots Espérance earlier this month.