England push for GB women’s team at 2020 Tokyo Olympics
March 29 – English football officials say they are “confident” there will be a women’s football team representing Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
News
Entente discordiale: Racism mars France’s Russian friendly
March 29 – The fear of racism rearing its ugly head at the World Cup in Russia has intensified following alleged abuse directed at French players by Russian fans during a high-profile friendly this week.
Mexican standoff? Greek Superleague to return after government lifts suspension
March 29 -The Greek Superleague will resume play this weekend after government on lifted its suspension following the pitch incursion by a gun-carrying PAOK club president Ivan Savvidis.
SEAT belt up for a Spain’s Russia 2018 journey
March 29 – Spanish car maker SEAT has expanded its sponsorship with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to encompass the men’s national team at the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Moroccan 2026 bid leader Alalamy emphasises need for impartial FIFA leadership
By Andrew Warshaw in Casablanca
March 28 – The chairman of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup bid has issued a firm challenge to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to play fair and remain neutral when the first open vote in the modern era to select the hosts takes place in June.
Man City top web ranking of clubs by language, Barca, Bayern and Olympiakos follow
March 28 – ‘Think global act local’ is an ad agency rallying cry from the 1980s but it is still relevant today in an increasingly globalised commercial and media landscape. But how far do clubs, eager for global fans and regional sponsors, go locally?
United 2026 bid promises a new World Cup era with an ‘opening day like no other’
March 28 – The United 2026 bid are promising “an opening day like no other” to herald in a “new era in football”, with three games across the three countries – Canada, Mexico and the US.
Brazil salve 7-1 memory with win in Germany, who have Euro 2024 on their minds
By Samindra Kunti in Berlin
March 28 – Brazil defeated Germany 1-0 at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Tuesday in a morale-boosting and symbolic win in the first meeting between the two sides after the 7-1 World Cup semi-final in 2014. The German FA also used the high-profile friendly to promote its bid for Euro 2024.
UEFA opens door for winter transfers to play in Champions League, Agnelli wants ‘rest’ stops
March 28 – Champions League players who move in the January transfer window will be allowed to compete for their new club in the competition during the same season under new rules announced by UEFA .
Palestinian clubs pressure Adidas over Israeli FA sponsorship
March 28 – More than 130 Palestinian football clubs and sports associations have called on German sportswear manufacturer Adidas to end its sponsorship of the Israel Football Association (IFA) over the thorny issue of Israeli league clubs based in settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Morocco 2026 chief El Amrani makes case for compactness, diversity and affordability
By Andrew Warshaw in Marrakesh
March 27 – There’s no doubting Hicham El Amrani’s passion and self-belief. Or that the CEO of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup bid is extremely well connected.
New Cold War threatens to spill over into World Cup
By Mark Baber
March 27 – Concerns the fall-out from the Skripal poisoning affair could spill over into the World Cup increased on Monday as Iceland announced its leaders would follow the UK’s lead in boycotting the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis cleared by Greek Supreme Court
By Paul Nicholson
March 27 – Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest owner Evanglos Marinakis has had all charges against him dismissed by the Greek Supreme Court, the highest court in the country.
Lionel Nessie makes debut for Inverness
By David Owen
March 27 – Hats off to Scottish second-tier club Inverness Caledonian Thistle for what must be the classiest intervention of the season in the often dubious field of football club mascots.
US to host 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship with eyes on France 2019
March 27 – The US will host the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, to be played October 4-17. Venue for the 8-team championship have still to be decided.