Time running out for Villar as football marches on with Spain vs Italy WC qualifier
September 1 – One key figure will conspicuous by his absence when Spain take on Italy in the mother of all World Cup qualifiers on Saturday in Madrid.
Integrity
Caught in a Bear trap. WADA forced to scrap ADAMS upgrade and take $1.35m hit
By David Owen
August 31 – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been forced to scrap original plans for a new version of its ADAMS data management system at considerable expense.
Taking a Chance? Webb sticks with law firm despite potential Arzuaga conflict
August 31 – Former FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb, the most high-profile official snared in the FIFAGate corruption scandal, has waived his legal right to so-called “unconflicted counsel”, agreeing to continue with his current law firm, according to local media reports in his native Cayman Islands.
Olympiacos partners Harvard University to host talkshop on football’s social responsibility
August 30 – Forget the obsequious amounts of money being lashed out on footballers, next week Olympiacos FC is hosting a conference in partnership with Harvard University promoting football’s social responsibility, particularly in relation to refugees and other vulnerable groups. The real world people transfers that no-one really wants to face up to, and certainly not club owners.
Spanish regions call for Villar to stand down, he demands payment of his RFEF wages
August 30 – Spain’s 19 regional federations and the government’s council for sport (CSD) have unanimously called for the resignation of Spanish FA (RFEF) president Angel Maria Villar (pictured), the former FIFA and UEFA powerbroker, following an emergency meeting.
UEFA enrols Ronaldo, Messi and Pogba as it rolls out #EqualGame message
August 24 – Some of world football’s biggest stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba, are leading the #EqualGame campaign, a new digital and social media platform launched by UEFA to promote inclusion, diversity and accessibility to football.
Former FIFA medical chief says steroid use should be banned, in all cases
August 24 – Steroids allegedly used by a string of players during the 2010 World Cup should be completely banned, according to FIFA’s former chief medical officer.
FIFA condemns Fancy Bears hack and refuses to dance to their tune
By Andrew Warshaw
August 23 – FIFA has been quick to condemn the notorious hacking group Fancy Bears for releasing documents alleging that 25 players were allowed to take prohibited substances for medical reasons – known as Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) – at the 2010 World Cup.
Sampson vs Aluko: FA sticks by manager as PFA’s Taylor enters the fray
August 23 – The English Football Association is reported to be sticking by the coach of its national women’s team Mark Sampson despite fresh allegations that he made a racist remark towards striker Eniola Aluko.
Fancy Bears lift lid on football doping, WADA suggests data has been doctored
By Andrew Warshaw
August 22 – The notorious cyber hacking group Fancy Bears, whose doping suspicions cast a dark shadow over athletics and cycling, has turned its attention to football with a damning list of allegations about drug cheats at the highest level.
Sampson and FA feel the heat as Aluko refuses to be swept under the carpet
August 22 – Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing after one of his star players Eniola Aluko made a complaint to the English football authorities about “bullying and harassment”, the coach of the England women’s team Mark Sampson is back in the firing line.
Podolski legals up against Breitbart for misuse of his image
August 22 – Former German international Lukas Podolski is reported to be considering legal action after a right-wing website printed a photo of him with an article about illegal immigration.
Hummels and Mata pledge 1% of wages to Common Goal charity fund
August 21 – German World Cup Winner Mats Hummels has become the second footballer to pledge 1% of his salary to the Common Goal fund that will in turn distribute funds to football charities arounds the world.
England women’s coach working on his comms skills
August 18 – The coach of the England women’s team Mark Sampson says he is “looking to improve” his general communication style after being cleared of racial abuse.
Legal comment: Understanding the Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar’s tax cases
The open proceedings in Spain regarding the tax cases of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr.[1], are too often believed to be the same, or at least, very similar cases. Alexander Guede in this column clarifies the different cases and their implications for the individuals and Spanish football.