Man City supersizes its perimeter boards with two-tier LED system
February 10 – Manchester City are going big with a new ‘Supersized LED’ perimeter board system that is currently being installed at its Etihad Stadium.
Draw for Concacaf Champions League last 16 gives no easy routes for Mexico’s big clubs
February 11 – The draw for the last 16 of the Concacaf Champions League has pitched Mexican giants Club America against last season’s breakthrough team CD Olimpia from Honduras, who made it to the semi-finals last December.
Return of Domenech lasts just 6 weeks at Nantes
February 10 – Former French national coach Raymond Domenech has been sacked by Nantes after just six weeks in charge following a string of poor results with the club hovering just above the relegation places.
Motsepe hits the campaign trail but think-tank casts doubt over his political savvy
By Andrew Warshaw, extra reporting by Samindra Kunti
February 10 – With still no formal government support for this candidacy, South African millionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe (pictured) appears to be struggling to gain sufficient backing to become the next president of the Confederation of African Football.
Covid travel ban chaos forces UEFA to hunt for neutral venues
February 10 – UEFA have been forced to move even more games to neutral ground as the chaos and confusion over Covid-related travel bans continue to take their toll, presenting a major head-ache to all concerned.
Panel finds in favour of PFA and rules English League One and Two salary caps ‘unlawful’
February 10 – Salary caps for players in England’s League One and League Two, representing the third and fourth tiers of English football, have been scrapped following a decision by an independent arbitration panel – just eight months after they were introduced.
Serie A TV deals reach crucial point as CVC shows signs of cold feet
February 10 – The new Serie A deals for domestic and international broadcast rights – revenue that will underpin the league and its clubs – have reached crucial and sensitive stages at the same time.
Flamengo seek €5m loan but banking on €22m of player sales
February 10 – Brazilian club Flamengo is seeking a €5.3 million loan to provide working capital for the start of the 2021 season.
Trial of 150 ‘Healthcare passes’ for Fenerbahce fans ruined by ill wind of abuse
February 10 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) decision to break coronavirus stadium lock-out rules and allow privileged access to 150 healthcare workers in for the Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray derby backfired at the weekend.
AYX onboard with Roma to bring Asian focus as regional betting partner
February 10 – The market for betting sponsorship of Italian clubs may be drying up domestically as gambling authorities move in with new rules, but the appetite for promotion in international markets is still there.
Big money Manchester clubs rack up net transfer losses of €1.2bn
February 10 – In a city where the lead striker of one of the world’s biggest clubs collects honours for fighting a campaign to maintain free school meals and fight child hunger, the clubs themselves have gorged on the transfer market at world leading levels.
Release rule quarantined: FIFA says clubs can hold on to players in March window
February 9 – FIFA is extending until the end of April its relaxation of the rules that force clubs to release players for international duty.
Qatar plans focussed on full stadia for 2022 World Cup
February 9 – Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organisers say they are anticipating full stadiums when the tournament takes place in 21 months’ time.
Bayern breeze past Al Ahly to set Club World Cup final against Tigres
February 9 – Bayern Munich completed the line-up for the Club World Cup final following a brace from Robert Lewandowksi in a routine 2-0 win over African Champions Al Ahly in the semi-finals.
MLS agrees pay deal with players’ union to 2027 and stays on course for April kick off
February 9 – Major League Soccer (MLS) and the players union (MLSPA) have voted to ratify the amended collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will govern their relation until 2027, avoiding a potential lockout or strike before the new season kicks off.