Testosterone-filled UEFA says there is no problem with doping
By Andrew Warshaw
September 21 – UEFA has been quick to play down reports in Germany and England that it has unearthed a potentially serious doping issue in its competitions.
Archive
Jordaan and Oliphant face demands for criminal prosecution in South Africa
By Paul Nicholson
September 21 – South African FA president Danny Jordaan (pictured) and former SAFA president Molefi Oliphant face increased likelihood of criminal prosecution in South Africa following the Democratic Alliance (DA) political party’s laying of criminal charges against them concerning the $10 million that was sent to CONCACAF.
Prince Ali uses Valcke fiasco to demand Blatter quits now; Romario dances with glee
By Andrew Warshaw
September 21 – FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has been quick to seize on the suspension of the organisation’s secretary general Jerome Valcke.
NFF scuppers Nigerian FIFA presidential hopefuls with tough bid ‘conditions’
By Mark Baber
September 21 – With at least two Nigerians considering standing for the post of FIFA President, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick (pictured), has reiterated that anyone from Nigeria wishing to stand must meet the conditions laid out by the NFF Executive Committee.
Premier League fans kick rugby into touch as they fill their grounds
By Paul Nicholson
September 21 – The start of the Rugby World Cup in England has not dampened enthusiasm for Premier League soccer with the league recording the highest capacity percentage (96.07%) overall since the opening day of the season.
Argentines ‘negotiate’ the courts as Warner to get extradition decision today
By Paul Nicholson
September 21 – The South American marketers accused of offering bribes to secure commercial rights for major regional tournaments took the next steps along the judicial process in New York and Argentina. Meanwhile in Trinidad, Jack Warner is scheduled to get a ruling on his potential extradition to the US today.
1000 days to go: Smertyn denies Russian racism, players say otherwise
By Andrew Warshaw
September 21 – Despite a string of examples of racism in Russian football and resultant sanctions by the game’s authorities, former national team captain Alexei Smertin (pictured) insists it is not an issue in his country.
FIFA auditor KPMG puts Swiss office under the microscope
September 21 – The global auditing firm KPMG has launched an internal review of its Swiss subsidiary that is responsible for the audit of FIFA according to the Swiss media.
FIFA 16 drops women from game in response to NCAA muscle-flexing
By Ben Nicholson
September 21 – A week prior to the release date of videogame FIFA 16, some female national team players have been reluctantly removed from the game for precautionary reasons.
CONCACAF ponders Champions League date changes to suit MLS teams
By Ben Nicholson
September 21 – CONCACAF is considering changing the dates of its Champions League competition to a single a year campaign, more in line with the current MLS season schedule.
Arsenal build bumper profit, but match-day revenue shows marginal growth
By David Owen
September 18 – Arsenal, the North London football club, have announced a five-fold increase in annual profits thanks in part to its property business. This property arm contributed £13.4 million – or just over half – to a pre-tax profit for the Arsenal Holdings group of £24.7 million for the year ended 31 May 2015.
Gerrard turns out for BT Sport, but returns to get ‘real’ at Salt Lake
September 20 – Steven Gerrard’s commitment to LA Galaxy has came under scrutiny in the last week as he missed training ahead of an important weekend fixture. Gerrard returned to the UK and was in London doing punditry for the BT Sport channel during the midweek European Champions League fixtures.
FIFpro file EC legal complaint saying transfer rules promote ‘slavery’
By Andrew Warshaw
September 18 – Citing what it described as the “shocking imbalance” between the respective rights of clubs and players, the international players’ union FIFpro has lodged an official legal complaint with the European Commission in a move that could overhaul the entire transfer system.
FIFA slams transfer ban and fine on Belgian TPO rule-buster
By Andrew Warshaw and Samindra Kunti
September 18 – FIFA have sanctioned Belgian second-tier club FC Seraing with a two-year transfer ban and a fine of $155,000 after it was revealed that investment fund group Doyen had added €300,000 to the club’s budget in exchange for 30% of some players’ rights.
UEFA disappointed over Valcke suspension but say new chiefs are coming
By Andrew Warshaw
September 18 – UEFA expressed its disappointment and sadness today at the “very serious” latest allegations to strike at the heart of an increasingly discredited FIFA, saying the shock suspension of FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke continued to tarnish the organisation’s image.