Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption body keeps Johansen in their sights with new appeal
June 10 – Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has lodged an appeal against the acquittal of federation president Isha Johansen (pictured).
FIFA politics over, France get down to World Cup business with an emphatic opening day win
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 8 – Emerging from the Parc des Princes metro for the start of the eighth women’s World Cup, supporters could have been forgiven for wondering whether they had picked the wrong game at the wrong time.
AHMAD RELEASED: CAF boss out but must remain in France for criminal investigation
By Paul Nicholson
June 6 – CAF president Ahmad Ahmad, arrested at his Paris hotel in an 8.30am swoop this morning, was released in the evening though will reportedly have to remain in France under house arrest.
CAF-gate: Bility says Ahmad must now order a forensic audit into CAF finances
By Paul Nicholson
June 8 – Musa Bility, the CAF executive committee member from Liberia who has spoken out against president Ahmad’s management of the African confederation and in particular his handling of commercial partnerships, has called for a forensic audit of CAF’s finances.
Peace in our time. Agnelli insists all clubs, fat and thin, are behind the ECA/UEFA process
By Andrew Warshaw
June 7 – The umbrella body representing European clubs insists that peace and harmony has broken out among its members and that while there are understandable concerns about the future of the Champions League from all parties, there are no longer any divisions.
France 2019 ready to kick-off women’s showcase but calls for more money parity still simmer
By Samindra Kunti in Paris
June 7 – ‘Dare to shine’. Tonight the hosts and South Korea will try and convert that slogan on to the pitch at the curtain raiser of the France 2019 Women’s World Cup. On the sidelines US legend Mia Hamm issued another rallying cry for more investment in the women’s game.
Infantino outlines breakdown of $500m for women’s game and revives world league idea
By Samindra Kunti in Paris
June 7 – FIFA and Gianni Infantino have promised to invest $500 million in the women’s game over the next four years, responding to the criticism over the minimal prize money on offer at the Women’s World Cup in France.
All about the money? Infantino sidesteps safeguarding issues saying women’s game is ‘real’
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 7 – Hours before the women’s World Cup was due to kick off in the French capital, Gianni Infantino insisted the tournament would change perceptions about the women’s game for ever. But more importantly the FIFA president missed a vital – some might say essential – opportunity to address the scourge of sexual harassment pervading the game.
FIFA and UN Women sign MoU to push for gender equality
June 7 – World governing body FIFA and the United Nations Women – the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women – have signed a first-ever MoU on Friday to empower girls and women around the world and achieve gender equality.
Man City battle to stay in Champions League with CAS appeal to block UEFA ban proposal
June 7 – Manchester City, desperate not to be punished by UEFA as they chase winning Europe’s premier club trophy, have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to block UEFA’s pursuit of a Champions League ban for violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
With Hazard having one foot out the door, Chelsea go to CAS in attempt to lift transfer ban
June 7 – Reportedly about to lose their star player Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against being slapped with a two-window transfer ban by FIFA after being found guilty in February of illegally signing no fewer than 29 under-age foreign players.
Villa return to Premier League play with record W88 sponsorship
June 7 – Aston Villa, who won the €170 million play off game to return to the Premier League after a two-season absence, has announced a one-year principal partner deal with online gaming company W88.
AHMAD ARRESTED. French police swoop on CAF boss at FIFA’s Paris gathering
By Paul Nicholson
June 6 – The privileged and protected world of African confederation president Ahmad Ahmad has come crashing down with his arrest at the Berri Hotel in Paris this morning where he has been staying during the FIFA Congress and in the run-up to the opening of the Women’s World Cup this weekend.
‘Credibility, trust and integrity’: Ahmad arrest dumps new dirt on FIFA’s eerie parade
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 6 – Everything seemed to be running so smoothly for the FIFA administration. A trouble-free election victory for Gianni Infantino, the shortest of Congresses, a first ever women’s football convention extolling the sporting virtues of female players and the eagerly anticipated opening of the Women’s World Cup.
World Cup in waiting. Paris warming towards France 2019 kick-off
By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 6 – There are precious few welcoming banners, hardly any fanfare and no signs of the thousands of fans who traditionally pour in from across the globe to watch the men’s version of the tournament.