UEFA investigation puts PSG back under FFP microscope
By Andrew Warshaw
July 4 – UEFA are to re-open their investigation into big-spending Paris St Germain, rekindling the threat of the Qatari-owned club being thrown out of Europe.
Mikel talks of father’s kidnapping in Nigeria and his decision to play against Argentina
July 4 – Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel has revealed how he played through his country’s crucial World Cup tie with Argentina knowing that his father had been kidnapped.
Amazon set to pounce on more European TV rights with LaLiga deal rumoured
July 4 – Amazon looks set to make another foray into the domestic European TV rights market, being rumoured to in line pick up the remaining rights packages for Spain’s LaLiga.
Former Nigerian coach Onigbinde says FIFA ban would be a ‘blessing in disguise’
July 4 – Former Nigerian coach Adegboye Onigbinde has advised the new leadership of the national federation under Chris Giwa not to be intimidated by any FIFA ban that might be imposed as a result of the current crisis.
Germany keep faith in Low despite Russia 2018 disaster
July 4 – Joachim Low is to stay on Germany’s manager despite their shock group stage exit from the World Cup.
Betway expands in Spain with 2-year Levante U.D. deal
July 4 – European on-line bookmaker Betway has agreed a second Spanish shirt sponsorship deal adding LaLiga’s Levante U.D. to their roster having agreed a deal with C.D. Leganés earlier this year.
Nigerian FA coup. Giwa gets government backing, forcing Pinnick back to FIFA for protection
By Andrew Warshaw
July 3 – No sooner has the national team returned from the World Cup after exiting at the group stage than Nigerian football has been plunged into crisis off the field over the presidency of the federation (NFF).
New launch LaBa360 rolls the dice with record sponsorship deal for Burnley
July 3 – Premier League Burnley have swapped main sponsor Dafabet for new launch gaming and betting brand LaBa360 in a record shirt sponsorship deal for the club.
One step at a time. Neymar’s theatrics overshadow Brazil’s win over Mexico
July 3 – As Brazil await a mouth-watering World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium, the focus of attention is once again on their mercurial striker Neymar – but not for the right reasons.
Early World Cup exit impacts on Aussie FA budgets as grassroots fees raised
July 3 – Football Federation Australia (FFA), locked in a battle over money and control with its senior professional clubs, is coming under fire from its grassroots after a decision to raise registration fees for amateur and youth players.
Hope Solo slams USSF over failure of men’s game to progress
July 3 – The 2026 World Cup may have been awarded to North America but according to outspoken US women’s goalkeeping legend Hope Solo, the men’s game has gone backwards.
Toronto FC joins USL’s new third tier league for 2019 kick-off
July 3 – The fledgling third tier of US football – USL Division III – has announced its fifth founding member for its inaugural 2019 season. Toronto FC II will be operated by 2017 MLS Cup Champions Toronto FC and is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Group.
Genius Sports wins official Premier League match data sales license for South Africa
July 3 – Football DataCo has agreed a deal with Genius Sports to be the exclusive agency to supply and sub-license official match data and fixture lists for England and Scotland’s professional leagues to licensed betting operators in South Africa.
Man City send their trophies on a pre-season tour
July 3 – With many European clubs back in training and looking towards pre-season marketing/training trips to foreign countries, Manchester City have announced that their two trophies – from their Premier League and Carabao Cup wins last season – will also be making a summer tour.
Collina sings VAR virtues as controversies over non-referrals continue to shape games
By Andrew Warshaw
July 2 – The controversies continue to rage but FIFA’s refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina and his colleagues insist the introduction of video assistant referees (Vars) has been an unqualified success in Russia.