EU court makes ESL rebels wait in case against UEFA
July 16 – The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has rejected a Madrid court’s request for an accelerated judicial procedure in the European Super League case.
Integrity
Gambling blocking software group Gamban joins SIGA
July 16 – Gambling blocking software business Gamban has become a member of sports integrity group SIGA (Sport Integrity Global Alliance).
Rashford overwhelmend by community support after mural defaced
July 14 – England striker Marcus Rashford, one of the three black players racially abused on social media following the penalty shootout loss to Italy, says he is “overwhelmed” and “lost for words” after hundreds of messages of support were placed on a mural depicting the England striker.
Voices unite against barrage of racist abuse targeting Rashford, Sancho and Saka
July 13 – England captain Harry Kane, his manager Gareth Southgate, the Prime minister, leading commentators, UEFA and even royalty have joined forces in adding their condemnation of the online racist abuse meted out to the three black players who missed penalties in Sunday’s Euro 2020 shootout against Italy.
Mings criticises UK minister Patel for ‘pretending’ on racist issues
July 13 – England defender Tyrone Mings (pictured) has called out Britain’s home secretary for ‘pretending’ to be disgusted by the racist abuse that was meted out to his three colleagues who missed their penalties in Sunday’s Euro 2020 shootout against Italy.
Portuguese police swoop on Benfica’s Vieira in money laundering and tax probe
July 8 – In a move that has rocked Portuguese football, Luis Filipe Vieira, president of Benfica, the country’s biggest club, has been detained as part of an investigation into alleged tax fraud and money laundering and forgery.
French stars Dembele and Greizmann apologise for racially offensive video
July 6 – French football stars Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann have been at the centre of a racism row after a leaked video clip showed the pair mocking Asian technicians fixing a hotel TV. The duo were forced to apologise.
Danish Rainbow flag wavers challenge stadium security in Baku
July 5 – Stadium security staff in Azerbaijan face accusations of human rights violations after seemingly confiscating an LGBT rainbow flag from two Danish fans ahead of last Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter-final with the Czech Republic.
Spanish court orders UEFA to stop penalising rebel ESL clubs
July 2 – The legal battle between UEFA and the three remaining heavyweight clubs seeking to keep alive a European Super League has taken another twist with the Spanish courts once again acting to protect their interests.
Late to the party? Nordic culture ministers combine for anti-corruption message
July 1 – Denmark’s culture minister, Joy Mogensen,has criticised the bid process that allowed Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup, saying it was “wrong” and raised questions of corruption in international sports organisations.
RexSport launches new Masters in Sports Law with SSBM in Geneva
July 1 – RexSport has launched its latest International Master in Sports Law programme in partnership with the Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM) in Geneva, Switzerland.
No gold at the end of the rainbow. Belgian Meunier says ‘coming out’ is still an issue for gay players
June 25 – Belgian international Thomas Meunier has said football is not ready for openly gay players, arguing that the sport’s mentality is not developed enough for a player to comfortably come out.
UEFA opens investigation into ‘discriminatory incidents’ at Germany vs Hungary match
June 25 – UEFA have appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate “potential discriminatory incidents” during Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
UEFA block of Allianz Arena’s rainbow colours illumination met with Euro-wide criticism
June 22 – The mayor of Munich has described as “shameful” a ruling by UEFA to ban his city’s plans to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours in support of LGBTQ+ rights for tonight’s Germany-Hungary Euro 2020 clash.
Racism and discrimination ruin Hungary’s Euro 2020 hosting triumph
By Andrew Warshaw
June 21 – Budapest may have arguably the best Euro 2020 atmosphere as the only stadium full to capacity but the choice of the city as one of the hosts has been blighted by a UEFA investigation into “potential discriminatory incidents” that are understood to refer to racist chanting and homophobic propaganda.