New Balance expand in Russia with FC Rubin kit deal
September 14 – New Balance has expanded into Russia with the its first kit deal with a Russian Super League club FC Rubin.
FIFA gags Borbely from speaking at UK sports corruption inquiry
By Andrew Warshaw
September 13 – Cornel Borbely (pictured), FIFA’s former ethics investigations chief whose work brought down a string of corrupt officials, has been barred from giving evidence to a British parliamentary committee, blatantly calling into question FIFA’s insistence it has nothing to hide and that the dark days of corruption are over.
Maduro blows lid off Infantino’s commitment to reform
By Andrew Warshaw
September 13 – FIFA’s entire approach to ethical standards under Gianni Infantino came under attack today by the man ousted as the organisation’s chief governance and electoral watchdog.
EFL ties up £600m Sky deal and opens up live streaming market in UK
By Paul Nicholson
September 13 – Sky and the English Football League (EFL) have agreed a five-year £600 million broadcasting deal starting with the 2019/20 season.
Real Madrid enter theme park business in China with Lai Sun Group
September 13 – Real Madrid have partnered with Lai Sun Group to create a presence at a Chinese theme park in a cultural development in Hengqin, China.
Libya demands World Cup replay after referee’s wife is found to be Tunisian
By Mark Baber
September 13 – The Libyan Football Federation has reportedly demanded that FIFA order and replay of their World Cup qualifier against Tunisia as the Kenyan referee who officiated the game is married to a Tunisian woman.
Uzbeks change FA leadership after World Cup qualification disaster
September 13 – Following the traumatic failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Uzbekistan have not only sacked the national coach, but also unanimously (as is customary in the Uzbek dictatorship) elected a new president for the Football Federation. Umid Ahmadjonov now takes over from the long-serving Mirabror Usmanov.
Aussie women double their wages as FFA loosens strings on TV money
September 13 – While Australia’s A-League club owners continue battle the Football Federation Australia (FFA) over their share of the increased A$346 million ($277.6 million) six-year broadcast deal, Australia’s women players have been won a pay agreement that will double their wages.
South Africa back down from challenging ruling to replay World Cup qualifier
September 13 – After expressing serious reservations about the ruling, South African football chiefs have decided not to launch an appeal against FIFA’s order to replay last year’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal because of corrupt officiating.
Borbely and Eckert to join Maduro at Council of Europe grilling of FIFA governance
By Andrew Warshaw
September 12 – As Miguel Maduro, axed as head of FIFA’s governance committee last May during a purge of senior ethics watchdogs, prepares for his appearance before a British parliamentary committee later today, it has come to light that both of FIFA’s former ethics chiefs are also set to go public to discuss their time at the organisation and the controversial circumstances of their removal.
UEFA deny Ceferin wants PSG kicked out, but investigation is open and money talks
By Andrew Warshaw
September 12 – UEFA have been quick to deny suggestions that its president Aleksander Ceferin wants to throw Paris St Germain out of Europe over alleged lack of financial fair play compliance.
LaLiga ponders taking league matches to US and China
September 12 – The Premier League’s 39th game proposal rapidly became a non-starter when it received a barrage of criticism when mooted in 2012. Although ruled out again this Summer by CEO Richard Scudamore, clubs are not cold on the idea of playing league games overseas. But it could be the LaLiga that is first to break the traditional boundaries.
Burkina Faso accuse FIFA of favouring Senegal in battle for World Cup 2018 spots
September 12 – The knock-on effect of FIFA ordering a replay of the South Africa-Senegal World Cup qualifier because of corrupt officiating has taken another twist with group leader Burkina Faso criticising the move as unconstitutional.
Dynamo Kiev lose point after refusal to play at Mariupol over safety fears
By Mark Baber
September 12 – The Control and Disciplinary Committee of the Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) has awarded a technical victory to Mariupol after Dynamo Kiev refused to travel to the eastern port city to fulfil their August 25 away fixture.
West Ham nail attendance table top slot and first win of the season
September 12 – A stunning nine out of 10 Premier League teams reported home stadium capacities of more than 95% at the weekend with West Ham topping the table with just 23 seats unfilled for their Monday night first win of the season against Huddersfield.