UEFA unveils top player nominees. Bale or Ronaldo? OL dominate women’s list
July 18 – UEFA has announced the ten-player shortlists for the 2015/16 UEFA Best Women’s and Men’s Player in Europe Awards.
Chelsea manager Conte gives his support to the Borgonovo foundation
By Bernd Fisa
July 18 – New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has lent his support to the Stefano Borgonovo Foundation set up after the former Italian international striker died in June 2013 several years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease which attacks the nervous system.
FIFA Ethics poised to rule on Niersbach 2006 World Cup case
By Andrew Warshaw
July 18 – While the focus is all on whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino is to be formally investigated, another ethics ruling is also apparently imminent– on former German FA chief and one-time prospective UEFA presidential candidate Wolfgang Niersbach (pictured left with Franz Beckenbauer).
Man Utd in the money with Virgin in UK sponsor deal
July 18 – Premier League Manchester United, about to embark on a money-making tour to China with their big spending manager Jose Mourinho, have announced a partnership with Virgin Money who will become the club’s Official Retail Financial Services Partner in the UK.
Does £32m Kante sale to Chelsea mark start of Leicester City break-up?
July 18 – The anticipated breakup of the Leicester City’s shock Premier League-winning squad has begun with French midfield lynchpin N’Golo Kante moving to Chelsea for a reported £32 million.
Top FIFA execs lined up to blow whistle on Infantino, only to be shown the exit
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15 – Four separate whistleblowers have come forward with evidence to FIFA’s ethics committee over the suspect conduct of Gianni Infantino, Insideworldfootball has learned.
Infantino poised to face FIFA investigators in new ethics probe
By Paul Nicholson
July 14 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino is to be interviewed by ethics investigators, believed to be today (Friday), over allegations that he has breached the FIFA’s code of ethics regarding his expenses and use of private jets.
Cowboys take Real Madrid’s world’s most valuable team title, Man Utd hold 5th spot
July 15 – Real Madrid have slipped to second behind NFL team the Dallas Cowboys in the annual Forbes list of 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams.
UEFA politicking heats up as presidential nomination deadline nears
By Andrew Warshaw
July 15 – Intensive behind-the-scenes discussions are expected to take place this weekend as the July 20 deadline for UEFA presidential nominations to succeed Michel Platini approaches.
Arch survivor Makudi’s days look numbered as FIFA ethics call for ban
July 15 – From day one he has protested his innocence but the net appears to be closing in on Thailand’s controversial former FIFA executive committee member Worawi Makudi (pictured).
QPR take step to new stadium with planning permission for 605 homes
July 15 – English Championship club Queens Park Rangers, relegated from the Premier League three seasons ago with record losses, have taken a step nearer their dream of a new 40,000 seat stadium in West London after being granted planning permission to build 605 new homes the Old Oak Common site.
Labrune set to quit OM as new money lines-up to resuscitate French giant
July 15 – Vincent Labrune, the controversial Olympique Marseille president, will part ways with the club before the start of the 2016/17 Ligue 1 season on August 14 as new money vies to take the reins at the under-performing French colossus.
Under Armour moves to kill off all Martians in China
July 15 – Under Armour has moved aggressively in China to protect its brand from Uncle Martian, a low-end Chinese copycat of Under Armour, filing suit in the High People’s Court of Fujing Province.
La Liga winds up its sponsor sales with Tag Heuer addition
July 15 – Spain’s La Liga has added watchmaker Tag Heuer as the league’s official timekeeping partner. La Liga is the latest premium league property to be added to the firm’s sponsorship roster, having added England’s Premier League in April.
Leaders shortlist nominees for U-40 business awards
July 15 – James Johnson, who heads the Professional Football Department at FIFA, has been shortlisted by Leaders and the Aspire Academy for the second annual Leaders under-40 awards, the global search for the best talent in the business of sport under the age of 40. In other words, the next generation of decision makers.