Fan violence in Madrid leads to death of Deportivo fan
December 1 – Spanish football is reeling from the death of a Deportivo La Coruna fan after violent clashes ahead of the weekend visit to champions Atletico Madrid.
News
Palestine’s Rajoub says it’s time to red card Israel from world football
By Andrew Warshaw
December 1 – The head of Palestinian football has gone back on the offensive against Israel, calling on FIFA to issue sanctions following last week’s raid on the West Bank offices of the Palestinian federation.
Exclusive: AFC letter warns candidates off electioneering at 60th celebrations
By Andrew Warshaw
November 28 – Delegates attending this weekend’s 60th anniversary of the Asian Football Confederation have been banned from any political electioneering at the gala celebrations to which all 47 federations have been invited, along with FIFA president Sepp Blatter and a host of other dignatories.
Colaco banned for taking cash for vote at AFC election for FIFA exco
November 28 – FIFA has banned Alberto Colaco, the former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for three years.
Rangers to return to market to raise further £8m investment
November 28 – Scottish club giants Rangers are seeking new investment to plug an anticipated £8 million requirement over the next year, but cash is likely to be needed as soon as January. The club said it will seek the funds via a fresh share issue after announcing an operating loss of £8.3 million for the year to 30 June 2014.
Spurs face UEFA inquiry after third pitch invader halts Europa League game
November 28 – UEFA seem likely to sanction Tottenham Hotspur for inadequate safety measures after three bizarre one-man pitch invasions interrupted their Europa League match against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday.
Samara to spend £1.1bn across region readying for Russia 2018
By Paul Nicholson
November 28 – More details of infrastructure build and budgeted spends are emerging for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Samara region is planning to spend more than RUB 77 billion (£1.1billion) in its preparations. While it has been announced that training bases will be set up in 20 Russian cities for national teams – World Cup matches will be played in 11 cities,
Brandao headbutt on Motta lands him a month in French prison
November 28 – In one of the harshest rulings meted out for an on-the-field offence, Bastia’s Brazilian striker Brandao has been handed a one-month jail sentence in France for headbutting Paris St-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta in the players’ tunnel back in August.
Belgian clubs ownership reshuffle as Coucke targets bigger Lille stake
By Samindra Kunti
November 28 – Lille OSC is ending its partnership with Belgian satellite club Mouscron-Péruwelz. The French club will dispense of its 51% share in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League club before Christmas to avoid a conflict of interest for Lille shareholder Marc Coucke.
FIFA ethics chief refutes German FA’s criticism, but opens door to report publication
November 28 – In a statement to German paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, FIFA Ethics chief Hans-Joachim Eckert refutes the criticism made by German FA President Wolfgang Niersbach of the ethics process.
Three FIFA exco members plus Beckenbauer facing investigation
By Andrew Warshaw
November 27 – Three current FIFA executive committee members plus German legend Franz Beckenbauer, all of whom voted in the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup ballot, are reported to be facing formal disciplinary action as a result of Michael Garcia’s two-year investigation into potential corruption surrounding the vote.
Seifert interview: Bundesliga is more valuable than ever
November 27 – In an interview with German sports channel SPORT1, Bundesliga chief Christian Seifert covered a range of issues from winning championships to value of media rights. Follow the link to watch the video. Interview by Martin Quast, text by Martin Volkmar
Tensions over expansion rise between Kenyan FA and Premier League
By Mark Baber
November 27 – Tensions between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) are escalating over the expansion of the country’s top league from 16 to 18 teams, with the FKF insisting clubs register directly with them before December 15 or face being replaced.
Romanian authorities launch probe into owners of Petrolul Ploiesti
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
November 27 – Romanian prosecutors from the Directorate for the Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) have launched a probe into the two main shareholders of the Petrolul Ploiesti club, Daniel and Nicolae Capra, and Marius Bucuroiu, the side’s general manager. The three club officials were arrested together with four others on the suspicion of tax evasion and money laundering.
IFAB puts video challenges on hold, but rolls on with subs changes
By Andrew Warshaw
November 27 – FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s idea of bringing in video replays and permitting coaches to be allowed tennis-style challenges against refereeing decisions appears unlikely to be implemented in the near future.