Former judges sceptical of Super League’s chances of winning in upcoming ECJ ruling
February 27 – Two former judges of the European Court of Justice believe UEFA will win their case in the spring against the promoters of the Super League.
World Football
MLS players’ union says FIFA and IFAB has failed players again on concussion protocols
February 27 – The union representing scores of Major League Soccer players in the United States has criticised FIFA as well as the game’s law-making body for being “short-sighted and misguided” in refusing to allow trials of temporary concussion substitutes.
Man Utd blunt noisy Newcastle’s Wembley day out with League Cup win
February 27 – Manchester United crushed Newcastle’s hopes of a claiming a first domestic trophy for nearly 70 years with a clinical 2-0 victory in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, causing heartbreak for the legions of Geordie fans who flocked to the capital in both hope and expectation.
Californian storms force postponement of Galaxy vs LAFC opener at Rose Bowl
February 28 – The MLS’s big opening weekend on the west coast got off to a false start with LA Galaxy’s derby match against LAFC – dubbed ‘El Trafico’ – scheduled to be played at the cavernous Pasadena Rose Bowl, postponed because of the storm that has battered the area.
Copa do Brasil kicks off with Krona as first time sponsor
February 27 – The Copa do Brasil that kicked off last week, has added tubing manufacturer Krona as a sponsor in a one-season deal.
Europa League ignites with battle of the giants as Man Utd dump Barca
February 24 – Barcelona’s recent continental woes continued as they were dumped out of the Europa League by Manchester United on Thursday, failing to reach the last 16.
Comment: Is the English FA set to be suspended by FIFA?
By James Dostoyevsky
After months of research, discussions, and hearings, after a Herculean effort to “do the right thing” (as the present Tory government in the UK regularly tells everyone it is doing), the mountain has given birth to Mighty Mouse.
Le Graët must go, says FFF board member ahead of crucial meeting
February 22 – Under-fire French football chief Noel Le Graet has come under further pressure to resign permanently following an intervention by a high-profile colleague within the French federation (FFF).
Adidas extends multi-year deal to supply every MLS club, adds new development leagues
February 24 – The MLS has announced a multi-year extension of its kit partnership with Adidas that sees the sports and leisure brand supply every MLS team.
Russia remains out in the cold after Swiss court rejects appeal against CAS ruling
February 24 – The Russian Football Union’s (RFU) has had its appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court over the suspension of its national teams and clubs from international tournaments dismissed as it missed the deadline.
Government-backed ‘independent’ regulator to police English professional football
February 23 – In a massive shakeup of the governance of English professional football, an independent regular has been confirmed by the government with widespread powers to ensure the financial sustainability of clubs – and, crucially, stop teams from joining any breakaway European Super League.
England hit form, and six goals, to beat Belgium to Arnold Clark Cup
February 23 – England’s Lionesses retained the Arnold Clark Cup on Wednesday by thrashing Belgium 6-1, the perfect tonic for the European champions in the build-up to the World Cup this summer.
English FA starts grassroots referee body cam trial in bid to stop abusive players
February 23 – English football authorities have begun trialling body cameras on referees in grassroots leagues to help “improve participant behaviour and respect towards referees”.
MLS expands play-off format with more teams and increase in games
February 23 – The MLS has revamped its play-off format, increasing the number of teams that qualify as well as bringing in a new best-of-3 series at the first round.
Somali FA votes in Abdi Mohamed for four-year presidential term
February 23 – Ali Abdi Mohamed is the new president of the Somali FA. He was elected unopposed at the third time of asking and will serve a four-year term.