Spain mourns loss of Real Madrid legend Paco Gento, aged 88
January 19 – Real Madrid and Spain legend Francisco ‘Paco’ Gento, the only player to have won the old European Cup six times, has died aged 88.
Europe
Mannaert to keep Belgian Pro League role despite being named in ‘Clean Hands’ probe
By Samindra Kunti
January 18 – Club Brugge’s Vincent Mannaert (pictured) has retained his six-month mandate to lead the Pro League, even after he was named as one of 57 suspects in operation ‘Clean Hands’.
Yellow card amnesty for European World Cup plays offs benefits 100 players, but not Ibra
January 18 – An amnesty for yellow cards in European qualifying for the World Cup has lifted the threat of suspension for dozens of players involved in the playoffs in March.
Belgium football ripped apart as prosecutors name 57 in ‘Clean Hands’ probe
By Samindra Kunti
January 17 – Brugge strongmen Bart Verhaeghe and Vincent Mannaert, AA Gent’s Michel Louwagie, Standard’s Bruno Venanzi, Charleroi’s Mehdi Bayat and FIFA’s Steven Martens were named among the 57 suspects that the federal prosecutor wants in court in operation ‘Clean Hands’, the largest investigation into match-fixing and corruption in the history of Belgian football.
Seville cup derby cut short as player struck by pole, game resumed next day
January 17 – A Spanish cup game between fierce city rivals Sevilla and Real Betis was abandoned on Saturday after Sevilla’s Joan Jordan was struck on the head by an object thrown from the stands and collapsed to the ground.
Textor fast follows Botafogo deal with stake in Belgium’s Molenbeek
By Samindra Kunti
January 13 – John Textor has not waited long to deliver on his promise to build a global network of clubs. Days after taking over storied Brazilian club Botafogo, he has become a co-investor in Belgian club RWD Molenbeek.
Asian and European initiatives celebrate a rich but often-hidden history of the women’s game
January 13 – Both the Asian Football Confederation and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Heritage Programme have launched historical retrospectives of the women’s game in their regions that chart its development and highlight its pioneers.
Lemsagam bites the bullet as fan threats force him to put Oldham up for sale
January 13 – The owner of the bottom team in the entire English professional league pyramid, Oldham Athletic, says he has been sent threats and bullets through the post.
UEFA starts tender process for Euro 2024 hospitality sales rights
January 12 – UEFA is looking for hospitality partners for the Euro 2024 championship that will be hosted in Germany.
Brugge and Anderlecht bosses to jointly chair Pro League for crucial 6 months
January 11 – Club Brugge’s Vincent Mannaert and Anderlecht’s Wouter Vandenhaute will lead the Belgian Pro League for the next six months following the resignation of chairman Peter Croonen.
Coventry United women saved by last minute buyer, but points deduction stands
January 10 – The fragility of the finances in the lower tier of the women’s professional game were demonstrated last week with the last-minute takeover of Coventry United Ladies, who play in the FA Women’s Championship.
Ajax abandon training camp as covid spread decimates winter breaks
January 7 – Ajax Amsterdam have abandoned their training camp in Portugal following an outbreak of coronavirus infections. They follow in the footstep of PSV, Feyenoord and a slate of Belgian clubs who decided to cancel their winter camps altogether.
Italian covid chaos: Inter take pitch at Bologna only to walk off
January 7 – Yet another high-profile Italian fixture has descended into farce because of Covid-19 with Inter Milan’s game at Bologna called off even though the visitors had turned up to play.
Has Covid become a political football? Union Berlin boss thinks so
January 6 – The president of Bundesliga team Union Berlin has got tongues wagging in Germany by accusing politicians of using Covid restrictions around football to further their own agendas.
KMSK Deinze sale to Singapore fund continues foreign owner buy outs of Belgian clubs
January 6 – Singapore-based investment fund ACA Football Partners has taken ownership control of KMSK Deinze, the Belgian second-division club has announced.