Kosovan FA boss Ademi jailed for 9 months
February 28 – Kovoso’s football supremo Agim Ademi has been sentenced to nine months in prison by the country’s Appeals Court over attempted coercion.
World Football
Zimbabwe face playing at neutral venues after CAF investigators condemn stadia
February 27 – Zimbabwe has been barred by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from hosting any international matches until further notice after its main stadiums failed to meet required standards, throwing an upcoming African Nations Cup fixture and home World Cup qualifiers later in the year into jeopardy.
Hungary’s Honved isolate coach Sannino after Italian coronavirus contact
February 27 – Spare a thought for Italian coach Giuseppe Sannino who has done nothing wrong on the pitch but has been temporarily stood down by his team, Honved of Hungary, because of his nationality given the effect of the coronavirus in his homeland.
UEFA and Greek government agree initiative to clean up Greek football corruption
February 26 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin (pictured left) has signed an agreement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (pictured right) aimed at cleaning up Greek football, which for years has been marred by corruption, match-fixing, attacks on referees and crowd trouble.
Sports bodies on alert as Covid-19 spread in Italy hits Serie A and international schedules
February 26 – European governing body UEFA has said it is monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus closely, but potential consequences for Euro 2020 remain unclear.
Egyptian derby abandoned as no-show Zamalek hand win to arch rivals Al Ahly
February 26 – Egypt’s top-flight club Zamalek face strong sanctions after failing to show up for their hotly anticipated Cairo derby against Al Ahly, causing the game to be abandoned.
Stadium repairs to force Rwanda to pull out of CAF Champions League final hosting
By Osasu Obayiuwana
February 26 – Repairs being done to the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali will knock out Rwanda from staging May’s CAF Champions’ League final.
Osasu Obayiuwana: CAF’s failure to pay officials opens body up to new integrity threats
With just days to the start of the knockout stages of the CAF Champions’ League and the Confederation Cup, with eight very tough quarter-final matches in both competitions, the quality of officiating from the referees, as well as the pre-game preparations of CAF’s match co-ordinators, and their support staff, will be key in ensuring that the matches go without incident.
Uruguay’s Valdez handed year ban by FIFA Ethics
February 26 – Despite efforts to shake off its tarnished image, Conmebol has been rocked by yet more scandal after its former FIFA Council member Wilmar Valdez (pictured) was banned for one year for breaking his duty of loyalty.
Covid-19 virus spread shuts doors on Inter vs Ludogorets, Serie A debates closing stadia
February 25 – Inter Milan’s Europa League last-32 home second leg against Ludogorets of Bulgaria will be played behind closed doors as the spread of the coronavirus hits European competition.
Man Utd fan group makes formal complaint over ‘shameful’ Bruges welcome
February 25 – Manchester United fans group ‘MUST’ has written an open letter to the mayor of Bruges, complaining of what they call “deplorable treatment” during their trip to the city last Thursday to attend their club’s Europa League match. The letter also says “fans were in genuine fear for their safety.”
Senegal launches $250m stadium build with Youth Olympics and AFCON targeted
By David Owen
February 25 – Senegalese President Macky Sall has launched construction of a new 50,000-capacity stadium in the West African country that is destined to stage events at the 2022 Youth Olympic Games.
England, NI and Scotland bring in heading ban in for U11 players
February 25 – Primary school children have been banned from heading in football training in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Amr Fahmy, former CAF exec who blew whistle on corruption, dies aged 36
By Andrew Warshaw
February 24 – Amr Fahmy, former general secretary of the African Football Confederation who blew the whistle on the corrupt activities of his boss Ahmad Amhad, has died of cancer at the age of 36.
Juninho continues at CBF after conflict of interest issues with Ituano player profits ruled out
February 24 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has retained Juninho Paulista as national team coordinator after a conflict of interest arose over Paulista’s ties with Sao Paulo club Ituano.