Argentina crisis: FIFA appoint execs to run the federation
July 19 – FIFA have named Armando Pérez, owner of the Belgrano club, as head of the normalising committee to temporarily manage the affairs of Argentine football.
World Football
Derrick manifesto focuses on grassroots and competitions as CFU election nears
By Paul Nicholson
July 18 – With Caribbean Football Union (CFU) elections taking place July 23, CFU president Gordon Derrick, standing for a second four-year term, has issued an election manifesto with an emphasis on grassroots development and increased competition across the region.
UEFA unveils top player nominees. Bale or Ronaldo? OL dominate women’s list
July 18 – UEFA has announced the ten-player shortlists for the 2015/16 UEFA Best Women’s and Men’s Player in Europe Awards.
Chelsea manager Conte gives his support to the Borgonovo foundation
By Bernd Fisa
July 18 – New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has lent his support to the Stefano Borgonovo Foundation set up after the former Italian international striker died in June 2013 several years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease which attacks the nervous system.
UEFA politicking heats up as presidential nomination deadline nears
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15 – Intensive behind-the-scenes discussions are expected to take place this weekend as the July 20 deadline for UEFA presidential nominations to succeed Michel Platini approaches.
Labrune set to quit OM as new money lines-up to resuscitate French giant
July 15 – Vincent Labrune, the controversial Olympique Marseille president, will part ways with the club before the start of the 2016/17 Ligue 1 season on August 14 as new money vies to take the reins at the under-performing French colossus.
Chile’s players threaten strike after FA leaves 420 without contracts
July 14 – Professional footballers in Chile have announced strike action for the weekend of 22, 23 and 24 July if the country’s football association (ANFP) does not comply with the wishes of players’ association Sifup, according to the international players’ union FIFPro.
Nike’s Ordem 4 ball is kicked into play for CONCACAF Champions League
July 14 – Nike’s summer of success has continued with the unveiling of its Ordem 4 ball as the Official Match Ball for the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
John-Williams hit with $300K demand for unpaid TTFA debts on eve of CFU election
By Paul Nicholson
July 13 – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams was hit with a demand for $300,000 from Metro Hotel Limited yesterday as he enters the final lobbying phase in his bid for the Caribbean Football Union presidency.
Uganda cleared to play on as politicians commit to non-interference
July 13 – FIFA says there is no longer any threat of Uganda being banned for government interference following a meeting involving representatives from all parties.
English switch Women’s Super League to winter season and expand teams
July 13 – The English Women’s Super League (WSL) is to switch to a winter season and expand to 21 teams by 2017-18. The new league schedule, unlike the men’s game in England, will have a one-month winter break.
England calling? Big Sam becomes favourite for national team hotseat
July 13 – A household name in English football but little known overseas, Sam Allardyce is emerging as the frontrunner to take over from Roy Hodgson as England manager.
Crystal Palace US tour match in Cincinnati to be live-streamed on Facebook
July 13 – Premier League Crystal Palace, currently on pre-season tour in the US, will have their second of three friendly matches streamed live on Facebook.
John-Williams fails to convince home support in bid to be Caribbean king
By Paul Nicholson
July 12 – Trinidad and Tobago FA (TTFA) president David John-Williams, who is bidding to become Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president with the apparent backing of CONCACAF’s leadership, FIFA and UEFA, has come under fire from within his own federation for not consulting his own members and for spending TTFA funds to promote his bid.
CAF clamps down on bribers, dopers and punching refs
July 12 – The vice-president of the Equatorial Guinea FA, Gustavo N’dong Edu, has been banned for two years by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and fined $25,000 after being found guilty of attempting to bribe referees in the Women’s AFCON 2016 qualifier against Mali.