Italian women’s Serie A fast tracked to professionalism with lifting of salary cap
December 16 – A new law in Italy, removing the current salary cap, will allow women players at Serie A Femminile clubs to be paid as full time professionals.
World Football
Former FAI boss Delaney under scrutiny over his UEFA role and pay days
By Andrew Warshaw
December 13 – John Delaney, the flamboyant Irishman who strode European football’s corridors of power until being forced to resign as chief executive of his federation (FAI) in March, is still a member of UEFA’s inner circle despite the FAI being in financial meltdown.
First Vienna FC 1894 celebrate their 125th with a visit from an elderly relative from Sheffield
December 13 – Age is just a number but for a football club it can also mark a status that no-one else can achieve.
More woe for Tanzania’s Malinzi as he is found guilty of forgery
December 13 – Disgraced former president of the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) and one-time FIFA standing committee member, Jamal Malinzi (pictured), has been found guilty of document forgery in his homeland .
Relegation escapees Botafogo plan for a more commercial future
December 13 – Financially challenged Brazilian top tier club Botafogo, is to transition from an association to a corporate structure to professionalise operations. Debt at the Rio club has risen to more than €200 million.
Former CAF 1st VP Patel opens up on a leadership that has ‘shamed’ Africa
By Osasu Obayiuwana
December 12 – As CAF’s first Vice-President for seven years (2011-2017) and the Chairman of its Finance Committee, Suketu Patel was regarded as the financial brain-box of the African football governing body, during the latter stages of Cameroonian Issa Hayatou’s 29-year presidency.
Euro Leagues chief Olsson ‘tired’ of big club threats to break up football’s ecosystem
December 11 – The head of the umbrella organisation representing Europe’s domestic leagues has launched yet another broadside against plans to revamp the Champions League saying his organisation is “tired” of threats about a breakaway super league.
Police called in at FAI to investigate threats against staff
December 11 – Irish police are reported to be investigating a series of threats made against staff at the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), leading to increased security at the federation’s Dublin headquarters.
CAS orders FIFA and CAF to respond to Bility claim that CAF takeover is illegal
By Osasu Obayiuwana
December 9 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, football’s world governing body, to file, within 14 days, a reply to the claims made against them by Musa Bility, the former President of the Liberia Football Association.
Cruzeiro relegation sparks violence in Belo Horoizonte as rioting fans clash with police
December 9 – The final day of the league season in Brazil was marred by violence as Belo Horizonte giants Cruzeiro were relegated for the first time in their history from Brazil’s top flight following a 0-2 defeat at home to Palmeiras.
Italian whitewash. Institutionalised racism now making the headlines?
December 5 – A leading Italian sports daily has been widely criticised for a headline reading ‘Black Friday’ featuring two leading black Serie A players.
After 5-year hiatus, Sierra Leone’s Premier League is back in action
December 6 – A new chapter has begun following Sierra Leone football’s troubled recent past, with the Premier League having resumed for the first time in more than five years.
Concacaf set draw date for final four Gold Cup 2021 qualifiers, with big names still in the pot
December 6 – With 12 teams already qualified for the 16-team 2021 Gold Cup, Concacaf have announced the knockout draw for the final four slots will take place December 11.
PAOK fiercely deny Savvidis dual ownership and point finger at Olympiacos
By Paul Nicholson
December 5 – Greek champions PAOK, and their fans, have responded furiously to allegations that owner Ivan Savvidis also controls Greek Super League club Xanthi FC.
UEFA expands women’s Champions League with group stage added
December 5 – UEFA has announced the introduction of a new 16-team group stage for the Women’s Champions League from the 2021-22 season with centralised marketing and TV sales programme raise revenues and the profile of the women’s club game.