No opportunity lost, Platini keeps AARs in view
January 28 – UEFA boss Michel Platini has taken another opportunity to promote his preferred system of additional assistant referees (AARs) to help with contentious calls.
World Football
Russia and Georgia to end stand-off if drawn in same 2016 group
January 28 – Russia and Georgia have agreed to end their footballing stand-off and play each other if paired together in next month’s draw for the Euro 2016 qualifying tournament.
From Quakers to safecracker to ‘crowdfunding’; Darlington fight back
By Paul Nicholson
January 28 – Darlington FC, one of England’s oldest football clubs, is staging a financial comeback, allbeit on a small scale. The club has introduced a ‘crowdfunding’ initiative to raise an initial £50,000 with further targets of £150,000 as the next steps.
Fans of Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia launch supporters trust
By Alexander Krassimirov
January 28 – Dissatisfied with the management of Levski Sofia fans decided to create a supporters’ trust. The association will be named Blue Bulgaria, and its purpose will be to raise funds that will be invested in the club, but only under certain conditions.
UEFA guru Fergie calls for clubs to show patience and coaches to get qualified
January 27 – Sir Alex Ferguson, appointed last week as UEFA’s new coaching ambassador to “teach the teachers”, has denounced the culture of sacking managers at the first sign of crisis.
Czech and Slovak FAs meet to discuss joint league and cup titles
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
January 27 – Czech and Slovak football associations are holding talks on creating a joint league and a cup designed to pit clubs from the two countries against each other. “The issue of a Czech-Slovak league is on the table. By mid-February, we have to sit down and say whether this makes sense or not,” Jan Kovacik, president of the Slovak football association, was reported saying.
AFC expands Asian Cup to 24 to boost competition and commerce
January 27 – In a major boost for the region, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced plans to expand the Asian Cup, its flagship tournament, from 16 to 24 teams as part of a raft of changes designed to increase the number of international matches for member nations.
Brazil authorities chase Rosell for €3m from Brazil friendlies rights deals
By Andrew Warshaw
January 27 – Sandro Rosell, who dramatically quit as Barcelona president last week over an investigation into last year’s signing of star Brazilian forward Neymar, is still facing unconnected allegations that he benefitted illegally from friendly matches involving the Brazilian national team.
Ultras unite to boycott Genoa vs Sampdoria derby
January 27 – The thought of a big-league derby match being held in an empty stadium would generally be ridiculed. But that is what could happen next Sunday (February 2) in Genoa when kick off comes at 12.30am local time.
Fergie lands role as UEFA coaching guru
January 24- Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will help shape the future of European football after being unveiled today by UEFA as its new coaching ambassador.
France to play in 2016 qualifiers though place assured
By Andrew Warshaw
January 24- Euro 2016 hosts France are to play in the competition’s qualifying competition — but with a guarantee of their place in the finals secure.
Capello handed increased role as he commits to Russia through to 2018
By Richard van Poortvliet
January 24 – Fabio Capello has signed a contract extension with the Russian national team, which will see him in charge through to the 2018 World Cup, which the country will host.
Hoeness bites back as leaks trigger raid on German tax offices
January 24 – German prosecutors have searched tax offices in Bavaria as part of the probe into Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness who last year caused a sensation when he admitted publicly that he had millions of euros in a Swiss bank account that he had not declared.
Rosell quits Barcelona presidency as pressure reaches boiling point
By Andrew Warshaw
January 24 – Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, one of the most influential figures in European football, has sensationally resigned over an investigation into last year’s signing of star Brazilian forward Neymar.
Montagliani unveils Canadian strategic plan and moots 2026 World Cup bid
By Paul Nicholson
January 24 – Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) president Victor Montagliani unveiled yesterday a new strategic plan for the sport in the country. Titled Leading a Soccer Nation, the document outlines priorities for 2014-18. But Montagliani is looking further ahead and says that Canada should bid for the 2026 World Cup.