Coronavirus: LaLiga’s new protocols open way to old rivalries
May 19 – Spain’s La Liga has drawn up a detailed plan for the clubs to implement when match days return with the league hoping for a June 12 start behind closed doors.
Bundesliga celebrates its return with record viewing figures, never mind the social distancing
May 19 – The return of top-flight German football may have been generally regarded as a success in the wake of Covid-19 but players will be reminded to respect social distancing rules as a result of one incident that broke the rules in Hertha Berlin’s 3-0 win at Hoffenheim.
Qatar line up for July restart and end August finish for Stars League
May 19 – Qatar will aim to complete their domestic season by August 26, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced.
Inter Milan, FC Bayern and Real Madrid commit to Covid-19 benefit series
May 19 – Inter Milan, FC Bayern and Real Madrid have joined forces to launch the ‘European Solidarity Cup’ in 2021 to send a message of solidarity and raise funds to support medical infrastructures in the wake of the coronavirus.
Sevilla reportedly opens €5m discussion with Betway, despite Spanish gaming re-regulation
May 19 – Seasons may be struggling to complete but already bookmakers are starting to make sponsorship plays for next season.
K-League’s FC Seoul lands in hot water over mannequin fan fillers
May 19 – As ingenious ways of improving the atmosphere in empty stadiums during the coronavirus pandemic goes, it wasn’t perhaps the cleverest or most obvious.
Chelsea starlet Hudson-Odoi in police lockdown after rape accusation
May 19 – Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been arrested on suspicion of rape according to British press reports and confirmed by police.
Scots end season with Celtic awarded 9th consecutive title and Hearts left broken
May 18 – After weeks of turmoil, claim and counter-claim, Celtic have been crowned Scottish champions for the ninth season in a row after the Scottish Professional Football League opted to curtail the current league season despite considerable opposition – joining the likes of France, Holland and Belgium in halting fixtures because of Covid-19.
Global sports sponsorship spend to drop by 37% to $28.9bn, says report
By Paul Nicholson
May 18 – The global sports sponsorship spend looks set to fall by $17.2 billion, from $46.1 billion in 2019 to $28.9 billion (37% year-on-year decrease) in 2020 as the result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Swiss judicial crisis as former FIFA governance guru Pieth calls for ‘heavyweight’ intervention
By Andrew Warshaw
May 18 – Mark Pieth, the Swiss governance expert first brought in by FIFA to oversee its reform process, has added his voice to those calling for the head of Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber.
Ceferin aims for August completion; 2020/21 club qualifiers will be as normal
May 18 – UEFA has dismissed reports that clubs whose leagues have been prematurely cancelled this season because of Covid-19 face being placed in the preliminary rounds of European competitions.
Club Brugges confirmed as Belgian champions, Pro-League sticks to 16-team format
May 18 – Belgian football will maintain a 16-team league next season after crowning Club Brugge 2019/20 champions and relegating Waasland-Beveren, who have vowed to fight the decision in court.
MLS expands talent id programme with US Youth Soccer hook-up
May 18 – Major League Soccer (MLS), who have abandoned their academy league structure, have announced a strategic partnership with US Youth Soccer (USYS) aimed at keeping open talent development pathways.
FIFA Council to vote on 2023 Women’s World Cup hosts in June
May 18 – The 2023 Women’s World Cup host will be picked by FIFA’s ruling council on June 25.
LaLiga opens up team training to groups of 10 with June 12 restart target
May 18 – La Liga clubs were re-starting group training today as they prepare for a return to action in June after a long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.