Giggs ‘abuse’ trial date set for January next year
June 1 – A trial date of January 24 next year has been set for former Wales manager Ryan Giggs who is accused of deliberately headbutting his ex-girlfriend and of controlling behaviour.
Europe
Ceferin favours ‘final 4’ flourish for Champions League
June 1 – European governing body UEFA is considering a Final Four format for the Champions League as a way to build a showpiece week of European football and generate more revenues.
Chelsea seize Champions League title as Guardiola tinkers and Man City crumble
By Samindra Kunti
May 30 – In a dramatic Champions League final, one of the best European Cup finals for a number of seasons, Chelsea, N’Golo Kante and Kai Havertz out-manoeuvred and outperformed Manchester City and Pep Guardiola’s experimental tactics to win 1-0 and clinch the continent’s premier club competition for a second time.
UCL final: Man City closing on final destination, Chelsea look to bump-start new era
May 28 – In the age of super clubs, Chelsea and Manchester City will decide who reigns supreme over Europe on Saturday in an all-English Champions League final that will be played in front of 16,500 fans in Porto, Portugal.
Ceferin pledges unity and support for football pyramid
May 28 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has taken another dig at those who prioritise profit over passion by pledging to support the entire football pyramid.
European leaders emphasise meritocracy over plutocracy, with Villareal as timely reminder
By Andrew Warshaw
May 28 – Villarreal’s euphoric upset win over Manchester United in this week’s Europa League final was not only a triumph for the club and its fans, it also cemented the anti-Super League sentiment and justified the narrative that middle and smaller-sized clubs can fulfil their dreams on the biggest stage.
Tebas hammers rebel clubs and Infantino ideologists, warning ESL is still a danger
By Andrew Warshaw
My 27 – In one of his most strongly-worded anti-European Super League outbursts to date, even by his own standards, the boss of La Liga, Javier Tebas, took aim once again today at the orchestrators of the aborted project as well as at Gianni Infantino who he accused of “secretly” supporting the idea.
‘Suffering’ Real, Barca and Juve claim they are the victims of illegal pressure
May 27 – UEFA may have gone to war with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus by opening formal disciplinary proceedings against the three clubs, but the three Super League rebels refuse to abandon their plans and issued a statement on Wednesday to defend their ideas against what they call “threats” from Nyon.
Ibrahimovic fined and told to cut links with Bethard, but he can keep playing
May 27 – UEFAhas fined Swedish legendZlatan Ibrahimovic for having a financial interest in the online sportsbookBethard Group and ordered that he cut ties with the organisation.
UEFA declares war on Real, Barca and Juve with Champions League slots at stake
By Andrew Warshaw
May 26 – UEFA has followed up on previous warnings by opening formal disciplinary proceedings against Super League rebels Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus – the only three founder members who still refuse to abandon the aborted project.
Ligue 1 winner Galtier quits Lille
May 26 – Just two days after steering Lille to their first top-flight title since 2011, Christophe Galtier has stepped down as head coach saying four years at one club is “long enough and I just feel I have done my time here.”
Germany turn to departing Bayern boss Hansi Flick to takeover from Low
May 26 – The German FA has officially named Bayern Munich’s departing manager Hansi Flick as the country’s new head coach when Joachim Low steps down following this summer’s European Championship.
Solskjaer hunts for his first Man Utd title against Europa League specialist Emery
May 26 – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can win his first trophy as Manchester United boss in Wednesday’s Europe League final in Poland’s Gdansk, but his side will have to overcome the competition’s ultimate expert Unai Emery and his Villareal, and lingering injury concerns over Harry Maguire.
UEFA releases 1,700 Champions League final tickets
May 25 – UEFA has this afternoon (Tuesday) opened up its general sales for tickets for the Champions League final on 29 May at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
CFG builds on Etihad Campus commitment with Co-op Live investment
May 25 – City Football Group (CFG), owner of Manchester City, has become an equal partner and investor in the development of Co-op Live, the new sports and entertainment venue being built on the Etihad Campus in Manchester, next door to the home of CFG’s flagship club.