FIFA lands Conotoxia as first local sponsor to U-20 World Cup in Poland
February 28 – Conotoxia has signed as the first local sponsor for the U-20 World Cup Poland 2019.
Concacaf ‘positive’ on Conmebol talks as Cordeiro invites South Americans to Miami
By Paul Nicholson
February 27 – For the second time in a week Concacaf has been moved to issue a statement over the communications of US Soccer Federation (USSF) president Carlos Cordeiro, and to reassure members, sponsors and the region’s football community that the Gold Cup is not under threat of being disbanded.
Rosell denies receiving commission on Texeira deal claiming all his assets are in Spain
February 27 – On the second day of his high-profile trial, Sandro Rosell, the former Barcelona president who is accused of money laundering related to television rights and sponsorship of the Brazilian team, denied any wrongdoing but spoke only through his lawyer.
Women’s teams warm-up with just 100 days to go to France 2019 kick-off
By Samindra Kunti
February 27 – The countdown to the Women’s World Cup has begun in earnest with today marking 100 days to go until France and South Korea kick-off the women’s flagship tournament in Paris on June 7.
FIFA bans Tanzanian ref Mbaga for match-fixing ‘several’ internationals
February 27 – Yet another African referee has been banned for life for match-fixing in the latest sanction to heap ignominy on the credibility of the Continent’s officials.
FIFA gets its Nations Cup…but in esports
February 27 – FIFA is expanding its presence in the fast growing esports football business with the launch of a new national team competition – the eNations Cup.
UEFA see red and charge Ramos over deliberate second yellow card
February 27 – Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has been charged by UEFA with “receiving a yellow card on purpose” in the Champions League last-16 first leg with Ajax.
Keeping it in the family. Man City to make Japan debut against Yokohama F. Marinos
February 27 – Manchester City will visit Japan for the first time in the club’s history this Summer as part of their pre-season preparations and will play fellow City Football Group-owned club Yokohama F. Marinos.
Poland’s Ekstraklasa joins the rush to esports with 16-club league launch
February 27 – Poland’s Ekstraklasa has confirmed it will be added to the FIFA Global Series with all 16 of the top tier teams competing.
Spain loses Euro U17 hosting and jeopardises UEFA backing for 2030 World Cup bid
February 26 – Spain’s hopes of gaining UEFA support for a 2030 World Cup bid has taken a potential political hit after European football’s governing body stripped them of hosting qualifying games of the Under-17 European Championship for refusing to recognise the national symbols of Kosovo.
Kiwis join Australia, Japan and SA in 2023 Women’s World Cup bidding race
By Samindra Kunti
February 26 – New Zealand have expressed their interest in hosting the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Last week FIFA launched the bidding process with Japan, Australia and South Africa among the other member associations that have declared an interest so far.
Sala crash pilot did not have a commercial license
February 26 – The pilot of the light aircraft which crashed into the English Channel killing both himself and the sole passenger, Cardiff City’s new striker Emiliano Sala, did not have a licence for commercial flights, investigators say.
Spanish clubs win EU tax ruling on ‘state aid’ case
February 26 – A European court has delivered a legal victory for Barcelona, Real Madrid and two other top Spanish clubs annulling a 2016 EU state aid ruling that had penalised them over tax breaks.
Messi tops ‘dribbling’ ranking, Hazard has highest ‘success rate’
February 26 – French-trained players dominate a ranking of players who dribble the most in the Big-5 Leagues but Lionel Messi is still the master with the ball at his feet and tops the ranking over the past year.
Arsenal and Fantastec launch collectibles app based on blockchain and gamifiction
February 26 – Sports technology innovator Fantastec has launched an app for Arsenal fans aloowung them to own and trade genuine digital Arsenal collectibles.