German refs questioned in tax dodging inquiry
By Andrew Warshaw
October 24 – German referees are at the centre of a tax evasion investigation that threatens to heap embarrassment on a nation that prides itself on footballing ethics.
Europe
Barcelona open doors to “New Masia” for next generation of football greats
By David Gold
October 21 – European champions Barcelona have unveiled their “New Masia” academy as they look to find future stars of the game to follow the path trodden by Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Football “in danger” if Sion win, FIFA warn
By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
October 20 – Football would be “in danger” if other teams follow the example of Swiss club Sion and go to the civil courts to try and resolve footballing disputes, FIFA warned here today.
Exclusive: Czechs plan bid for 2015 European Under-21 Championships
By David Gold
October 20 – The Czech Republic is planning to bid for the European under 21 championship in 2015 rather than the European Championships in 2020, insideworldfootball has learnt.
Football People Action Weeks get into action to rid discrimination in the sport
By David Gold
October 19 – The Football People Action Weeks is currently underway, featuring activities for fans, community groups, players, clubs and local authorities to help unite the football community against discrimination and celebrate diversity.
Platini “happy” to answer questions in Swiss court
By Andrew Warshaw
October 19 – UEFA boss Michel Platini (pictured right) took the unusual step of appearing in a Swiss court today over why UEFA has not yet implemented a ruling to reinstate Sion in the Europa League.
UEFA draw up emergency plans to include both Sion and Celtic in Europa League
By Andrew Warshaw
October 18 – UEFA are drawing up emergency plans to include both Sion and Celtic in the Europa League group stages if they lose the ongoing dispute with the Swiss club.
Greig and McClelland quit Rangers
By David Gold
October 17 – John Greig (pictured far right) and John McClelland (centre) have both resigned as directors of Scottish Premier League (SPL) champions Glasgow Rangers, in protest at alleged exclusion from the running of the club.
It’s been a phenomenal year for women’s football, says England coach Powell
By David Gold
October 15 – England women’s football coach Hope Powell has said it has been a “phenomenal year” for women’s football, but that she will not be satisfied with the growth of the game until England are world champions.
Platini to appear before Swiss court to defend Sion ban
By Andrew Warshaw
October 15 – UEFA President Michel Platini is expected to appear in court next Wednesday (October 19) to explain why his organisation has refused to re-instate FC Sion in this season’s Europa League.
Government set the date to step in if English FA fail to reform
By Andrew Warshaw in London
October 12 – The English Football Association, still reeling from the humiliating 2018 World Cup debacle, has been ordered by the Government to bring in rules to tackle debt amongst its clubs.
Exclusive: Latest FA accounts reveal a more than six-fold jump in operating profit despite mystery payments
By David Owen
October 11 – The Football Association last year paid £63,000 ($98,500/€72, 400) in compensation to directors for “loss of office”, newly published accounts show.
Exclusive: European Parliament expected to support La Liga collective TV deal
By David Gold
October 8 – The European Parliament is set to put forward a motion which will pressure La Liga to introduce a collective television deal in order to tackle the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain’s top division.
UEFA ready to take on Swiss courts as they demand Sion return to Europa League
By Andrew Warshaw
October 7 – UEFA’s top brass are preparing to take on the Swiss civil courts following a fresh court order that FC Sion should be readmitted to the Europa League.
Rooney’s father and uncle arrested in SPL betting scam
By Emily Goddard and David Gold
October 6 – Wayne Rooney’s father (pictured) and uncle were among nine men, which included Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, held by police this morning following a series of arrests carried out across Liverpool and Glasgow over allegations of suspicious betting activity during a Scottish Premier League (SPL) match, before being bailed.