PSG and Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi charged with rape
March 3 – Paris St Germain’s Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi is facing a criminal investigation in France following an allegation of rape, prosecutors have confirmed.
Europe
Spanish refs demand justice as probe into Negreira’s Barca payments gathers pace
March 3 – Spain’s referees have jointly defended their reputation and profession in the wake of the burgeoning scandal involving Barcelona’s alleged payment of £1.4 million to a company run by a former referee who at the time was acting as one of their top representatives at the Spanish FA.
Bulgarian top tier club debt leaves six battling to meet efbet Liga pro license criteria
March 2 – Six clubs from Bulgaria elite division, efbet Liga, have combined debts due to the National Revenue Agency (NRA) of BGN 14.5 million (€7.25 million). The news was part of a naming and shaming announced by the NRA through Bulgarian National Television.
French World Cup legend Just Fontaine dies, aged 89
March 2 – Just Fontaine, the French football legend who in 1958 scored a record 13 goals in the World Cup finals in Sweden – a remarkable feat that has withstood 16 editions since and seems unlikely ever to be matched – has died, triggering an outpouring of tributes.
Juve appeal 15-point penalty for financial cheating
March 1 – Juventus have lodged an appeal against the massive 15-point penalty for false accounting related to artificially inflated transfer dealings meted out last month, according to Italian reports.
Pro-government politicos ban Fenerbache fans from Kayserispor after earthquake protest
March 1 – In a disgraceful indictment of Turkey’s autocratic regime, supporters of Fenerbahçe, who chanted anti-government slogans during a previous match, have been banned from attending this weekend’s game against Kayserispor.
Former Man Utd star Nemanja Vidic submits candidacy for a run at Serbian FA presidency
March 1 – The former captain of Manchester United and Serbia international, Nemanja Vidic, has submitted his candidacy for Football Association of Serbia presidential elections.
Growing pressure is too much for Le Graet at FFF, Diallo takes over as interim president
By Andrew Warshaw
February 28 -Embattled French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet finally fell on his sword today as he resigned following accusations of sexual and psychological harassment, bringing to an end an 11-year spell in charge for one of European football’s most controversial veteran administrators.
US owner hands over shares in Bulgarian top tier club Pirin to Blagoevgrad city council
By Alexander Krassimirov in Sofia
February 28 – The American owner of Bulgaria top tier club Pirin Blagoevgrad, Paul Belogour, has announced that he is stepping down to focus on his other business ventures.
Turkish fans get political and call for government resignation of earthquake disaster response
February 27 – Fans of leading Turkish clubs Besiktas and Fenerbahce have called on the Turkish government to resign over its inadequate response to the devastating earthquake that has so far killed over 44,000 people in the country.
Former judges sceptical of Super League’s chances of winning in upcoming ECJ ruling
February 27 – Two former judges of the European Court of Justice believe UEFA will win their case in the spring against the promoters of the Super League.
Man Utd blunt noisy Newcastle’s Wembley day out with League Cup win
February 27 – Manchester United crushed Newcastle’s hopes of a claiming a first domestic trophy for nearly 70 years with a clinical 2-0 victory in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, causing heartbreak for the legions of Geordie fans who flocked to the capital in both hope and expectation.
Europa League ignites with battle of the giants as Man Utd dump Barca
February 24 – Barcelona’s recent continental woes continued as they were dumped out of the Europa League by Manchester United on Thursday, failing to reach the last 16.
Comment: Is the English FA set to be suspended by FIFA?
By James Dostoyevsky
After months of research, discussions, and hearings, after a Herculean effort to “do the right thing” (as the present Tory government in the UK regularly tells everyone it is doing), the mountain has given birth to Mighty Mouse.
Le Graët must go, says FFF board member ahead of crucial meeting
February 22 – Under-fire French football chief Noel Le Graet has come under further pressure to resign permanently following an intervention by a high-profile colleague within the French federation (FFF).