Ajax agree €7.8m care package for Abdelhak Nouri
February 22 – Eredivisie giant Ajax and Abdelhak Nouri’s family have reached a settlement of €7.85 million to care for the brain-damaged former player.
Europe
Boston Celtics owner Pagliuca buys control of Serie A’s Atalanta for estimated $450m
February 21 – After initially denying reports they were selling, Atalanta have become the latest Italian top-flight club to do a deal with American investors – this time led by Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca.
Man City star Foden abused and mother punched at Khan vs Brook boxing match
February 21 – Manchester City say they are “shocked and appalled” by an attack on their young England forward Phil Foden and his family backstage at a high-profile boxing match on Saturday.
Walker and Borges lose UEFA appeals against suspensions; OM back in the dock
February 21 – Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has had his appeal against a three-match Champions League suspension turned down.
Norwegian study highlights brain injury dangers from heading
February 18 – A study in Norway has revealed that repeated heading and accidental head impacts in football can alter the blood structure of the brain.
LaLiga to return to full stadium capacity March
February 18 – La Liga can return to packed stadiums after Spain’s health minister said that health authorities have decided to allow football stadiums and other sports venues to operate at full capacity again.
More goal chances and more ball in play: North and Western European leagues top ranking
February 17 – The professional leagues of Northern and Western Europe see teams playing more ‘openly’ that the leagues in South and East of the continent, according to data from the CIES Football Observatory.
Italy issues international arrest warrant for convicted rapist Robinho
February 17 – Italian authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, the former Brazil star who was convicted of rape in Italy.
Benfica deny €1.9m was paid via third-party business to referee Bruno Paixão
February 16 – A former Portuguese referee is under investigation for allegedly receiving up to €1.9 million from Benfica which could, if proven, reportedly lead to the Lisbon club being sensationally relegated.
UEFA announces Socios.com deal but fan groups fear risks of unregulated crypto
February 16 – UEFA’s partnership with blockchain-based Fan Token platform Socios, announced yesterday, has quickly drawn criticism from fan groups who accuse the European governing body of leaving fans in the hands of “crypto-mercenaries”.
UEFA land in Albania where politics and football have reached pre-election boiling point
February 16 – A UEFA delegation has arrived in Albania to evaluate the electoral process of the national federation before clubs vote on a new FA president next month amid concerns about political interference.
Salernitana make their point but remain bottom of Serie A
February 15 – Italian football’s appeals court has overturned a Serie A decision to penalise Salernitana for failing to travel to Udinese for a league fixture on December 21.
Pochettino backs Messi to star in PSG vs Real Madrid Champions league clash
February 15 – Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has backed Lionel Messi to come good against Real Madrid in tonight’s mouth-watering Champions League last-16 first leg despite an underwhelming domestic campaign.
Eriksen edges closer to full return with key Newcastle match the target
February 15 – Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen marked his 30th birthday with a first appearance since his cardiac arrest at last summer’s Euros, playing 60 minutes for his new club Brentford in behind-closed-doors friendly against fifth-tier club Southend United.
UEFA in 30,000 free ticket give-away for fans whose clubs make 2022 major finals
February 14 – With the Super Bowl’s cheapest tickets priced at an eye-watering $7,500 for last night’s NFL showpiece, UEFA has moved in the opposite ticket price direction, announcing it will be making available a chunk of free tickets to club fans in its finals this season.