US women’s pay dispute gets political as federation hires lobbyists
August 8 – US Soccer has enlisted two Washington lobbying firms to argue that the women’s national team is not being underpaid.
Drogba, now special advisor to Ahmad, considers run at Ivory Coast FA presidency
August 8 – Former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, who last month joined the African Football Confederation (CAF) as one of two special advisors to Ahmad Ahmad, is weighing up whether to run for president of his national federation according to l’Equipe.
Barca and Sony Music combine for deal focussed on content and events
August 8 – Big brands attract each other. FC Barcelona have signed a two-year collaboration agreement with Sony Music that will focus on the creation of entertainment experiences.
No-nonsense Conmbeol his Gabriel Jesus with 2-month international ban
August 8 – Conmebol has handed Manchester City and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus a two-month international suspension and a £25,000 fine for his unruly behaviour during the Copa America final.
Lotus accelerate international brand push with Norwich City deal
August 8 – Premier League returnees Norwich City have announced car manufacturer Lotus as a club partner in a new multi-year deal.
Lil-Lets sign one-season deal with Everton Ladies
August 8 – The sponsorship roster of brands getting into women’s football has been added to by feminine hygiene brand Lil-Lets who have signed a one-season deal with Everton Ladies.
‘Headbutting’ Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa lives to fight another day at CAF
By Paul Nicholson
August 6 – Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, who allegedly head-butted Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema after the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final between RS Berkane and Zamalek, has had the charges against him of assault dismissed, despite eye witnesses being present.
English FA to launch OTT platform with Women’s Super League games live
August 7 – The English FA will launch a new over-the-top platform that will provide free live coverage of every Women’s Super League game from the start of the 2019/20 season.
Chelsea apologise for ‘prolific sexual abuse’ of ex-chief scout Eddie Heath
August 7 – Leading English Premier League club Chelsea have apologised for the “terrible past experiences” of some former youth players following a damning 252-page report into child sexual abuse at the club that has made headline news across the UK and shocked the country.
Tebas maintains theme of ‘state club’ threat to European football’s market balance
August 7 – His persistence is tiring but the message is enduring. Outspoken La Liga president Javier Tebas is back on the offensive against Manchester City and Paris St Germain once again accusing them of being “state clubs” and a danger to football.
Rooney calls end to US stopover for player/coaching role with Derby County
August 7 – Former England captain Wayne Rooney is leaving Major League Soccer in the United States after less than two seasons to return to play in England with second-tier Derby County where he will working under manager Phillip Cocu.
Corinthians critical of police arrest of anti-Bolsonaro chanting fan
August 7 – Brazilian giants Corinthians have criticised the arrest of a supporter who protested against Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro during his club’s home game with Palmeiras. Brazilian police say they detained the fan for his own safety.
UEFA sanction Craiova after smoke grenade hits ref and match descends into chaos
August 7 – Leading Romanian club Universitatea Craiova have been ordered to play their next two European games behind closed doors after the referee was struck by an exploding object during a Europa League qualifier against Honved of Budapest.
Schalke 04’s Tönnies takes 3-month break from board chair after African comments
August 7 – Yet another racism row has struck at the heart of German football with Clemens Toennies, president of top-flight club Schalke 04, forced to step down for three months following a hearing into controversial comments he made last week.
USL outlines plans for a new-launch Academy League in the US
August 7 – The United Soccer League (USL) which runs the second and a third tier league in the US, has announced plans for a USL Academy League and the criteria for its clubs to enter.