Gabon win hosting of 2017 African Cup of Nations
By Andrew Warshaw
April 9 – Gabon have been chosen to host the seemingly perennially troubled Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 as a replacement for war-torn Libya who withdrew last year.
World Football
UEFA sanctions Montenegro and hands Euro points to Russia
April 9 – UEFA have awarded Russia a 3-0 walkover win over Montenegro following the abandonment of their Euro 2016 qualifier that saw Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev felled soon after kickoff when struck on the head by a flare.
Hayatou backs Blatter and flexes muscle for another term as CAF chief
By Andrew Warshaw
April 8 – Any concerns Sepp Blatter may have had that his solid support base in Africa could be in danger of waning as he bids for a fifth term of office have been swept away. As expected, African Football Confederation chief Issa Hayatou pledged his members’ total backing for Blatter at this week’s CAF Congress.
Dyke hands back watch in time to clear FIFA ethics investigation
April 8 – The so-called ‘Watch-gate’ saga is back in the news again with FIFA announcing no action is being taken against English FA chairman Greg Dyke.
Oyston left with egg on his face after Blackpool tumble to tier 3
April 8 – English football fans are normally pretty restrained when it comes to protesting about the actions of those who run their clubs.
You don’t win anything with kids in Europe. Big 5 league clubs spurn U23s
April 8 – New data from the CIES Football Observatory shows the dependence of Europe’s clubs from the Big 5 leagues of England, Germany, France, Spain and Italy on clubs outside their leagues to develop players.
Racist Torpedo Moscow handed 2 match closed-door sanction for Nazi banner
By Andrew Warshaw
April 8 – Dubbed Russia’s most aggressive club, Torpedo Moscow have been found guilty of racism yet again, this time for displaying a Nazi symbol during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Arsenal Tula.
CONCACAF debut goalkeeping course in St Kitts
April 8 – CONCACAF continued with the development of their coaching courses, holding their first Goalkeeping course at the end of last month in St Kitts & Nevis.
Insulting banners force Serie A to close part of Roma’s Stadio Olimpico
April 8 – Roma have been ordered to close part of their stadium at their next home game after fans displayed banners mocking the mother of a Napoli fan who died following clashes between rival supporters last year.
Indonesia Super League kicks off but sports ministry threatens closure
By Mark Baber
April 7 – After weeks of delay, the Indonesia Super League (ISL) finally kicked off this weekend, but faces an uncertain future as the Professional Sports Agency of Indonesia (BOPI) warned that the PT Liga Indonesia could have its licence to operate the ISL revoked if it continues to ignore official recommendations.
Second Romanian club owner jailed, leaving team on financial knife-edge
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
April 7 – Romanian billionaire Ioan Niculae (pictured), who owns top flight club Astra Giurgiu, has been sentenced to two years and six months in jail for his participation in the illegal financing of the presidential campaign of Mircea Geoana who ran for Romania’s top office in 2009. Niculae cannot appeal the decision.
Focus turns to Africa as Blatter set to address his core constituency
By Andrew Warshaw
April 7 – After enduring a collective assault on his presidency by the three men bidding to unseat him, Sepp Blatter was doubtless feeling far more comfortable today as the election campaign switched from UEFA to the Confederation of African Football Congress (CAF).
Turks suspend league after gun attack on Fenerbahce team bus
April 7 – Turkey’s top division and domestic cup matches have been suspended for one week following a chilling and unprovoked gun attack on the Fenerbahce team bus at the weekend which left the driver seriously injured but the players unharmed.
Rangers find Easter heart despite having their stock market eggs in the wrong basket
August 6 – It has been a mixed Easter holiday for Scottish giants Rangers. The Championship side are battling a long period of boardroom instability and shareholder infighting, while at the same time being embroiled in a dogfight for a return to the Scottish Premier League – and what would be their third promotion in three seasons.
UEFA holds steady banking €1.7bn with 2016 payday looming
By David Owen
April 5 – UEFA, the European football body, generated revenue of €1.73 billion in its latest financial year to the end of June. The figure was marginally up on the prior year’s total of €1.7 billion.