England’s clubs dip toe in water of limited fan return
December 2 – After 266 long days, a tiny number of fans return to English league football tonight with clubs in certain areas of the country finally opening their turnstiles.
Haaland could break Neymar’s €222m record, Man Utd’s Fernandes puts on €20m of value
December 2 – Norwegian Erling Haaland’s goals for Borussia Dortmund have propelled him to the top of a table of €80 million+ footballers with the fastest increasing transfer valuations. He is followed by Manchester United’s mercurial Bruno Fernandes.
PepsiCo signs on for new 3-year Champions League term
December 1 – UEFA have resigned PepsiCo for a further three-year Champions League term for the 2021–24 cycle.
Bayern and Lyon players dominate nominees for UEFA team of year votes
December 1 – UEFA.com has opened voting for its teams of the year, for the first time giving fans the opportunity to pick a women’s team.
Newcastle United isolate as Covid positives force training ground closure
December 1 – Newcastle United’s entire first-team squad have been forced to self-isolate as the Premier League club closed its training ground amid a growing Covid-19 outbreak.
Laporta puts restoring ‘pride’ and keeping Messi at heart of his Barca presidential bid
December 1 – Joan Laporta, who led Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, and has announced that he will run for a second term as club president in succession to the much-maligned Josep Maria Bartomeu, says he is hopeful of convincing Lionel Messi to stay at the Nou Camp.
Low point: Germans back head coach for Euro 2020
December 1 – Joachim Low will coach Germany at Euro 2020. The longstanding coach had come under severe pressure in recent months, but the German FA (DFB), have kept their faith in him.
FA disarray as Cartwright quits board at start of hunt for new chair
December 1 – The English Football Association has been plunged into yet more disarray with the resignation of its senior independent director Stacey Cartwright, who had been leading the selection panel to appoint a new chairman for the organisation.
Lack of match dates could force Coupe de France off, says Le Graët
December 1 – This season’s entire Coupe de France is in danger of being called off, according to French federation president Noël Le Graët.
Frappart breaks down more barriers with Juve vs Dynamo Kiev appointment
December 1 – Stephanie Frappart breaks more new ground on Wednesday when she becomes the first woman to referee a men’s Champions League game.
AFC boosts social platforms in China with new channels already topping 26m
December 1 – The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) who last week announced a landmark broadcast partnership with telecoms giant China Mobile Migu, has further expanded its content commitment in the country with the launch of new accounts on Toutiao and Douyin.
Inter report €102.4m loss but 72% gain on digital platforms
December 1 – Inter Milan have reported losses of €102.4 million for the 2019/20 financial year, that covers the suspension of the season in March when the covid pandemic hit.
Serie B dips toe into new media and VC waters with new rights company
December 1 – Following the lead of their bigger brothers, Italy’s Serie B clubs have formed a new media rights company to manage the leagues marketing and broadcast assets.
Blatter and Platini re-targeted as Swiss judiciary focus back on the CHF2m payment
By Andrew Warshaw
November 30 – With the five-year case against them by Swiss prosecutors seemingly going nowhere, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are under investigation for yet more alleged misdemeanours, this time for “fraud” and “breach of trust”.
UEFA to open talks with city hosts on options for fan attendance at Euros next June
November 30 – UEFA have decided to make a final decision on March 5 next year in terms of whether fans will be allowed at the postponed Euro 2020 tournament.