Nike’s Ordem 4 ball is kicked into play for CONCACAF Champions League
July 14 – Nike’s summer of success has continued with the unveiling of its Ordem 4 ball as the Official Match Ball for the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
John-Williams hit with $300K demand for unpaid TTFA debts on eve of CFU election
By Paul Nicholson
July 13 – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams was hit with a demand for $300,000 from Metro Hotel Limited yesterday as he enters the final lobbying phase in his bid for the Caribbean Football Union presidency.
Premier League transfer money-go-round speeds up as clubs eye season start
By Andrew Warshaw
July 13 – The end of Euro 2016 means only one thing: the annual summer spending spree in Europe being stepped up, particularly in the Premier League where clubs are already splashing the cash to boost resources ahead of the most lucrative season on record in terms of television revenue.
Interview: Fit for purpose? Post Euro interview with UEFA referee guru
By Samindra Kunti
July 13 – English referee Mark Clattenburg led the Euro 2016 final as the tournament climaxed with a prolonged encounter between hosts France and Portugal. Clattenburg was omnipresent with 2,774 meters of high speed running (14 to 20 km/h) and 999 meters of very high speed running (> 20 km/h) during the match. In the 109th minute Antonio Eder scored the winning goal with a fine strike from outside the box.
Uganda cleared to play on as politicians commit to non-interference
July 13 – FIFA says there is no longer any threat of Uganda being banned for government interference following a meeting involving representatives from all parties.
English switch Women’s Super League to winter season and expand teams
July 13 – The English Women’s Super League (WSL) is to switch to a winter season and expand to 21 teams by 2017-18. The new league schedule, unlike the men’s game in England, will have a one-month winter break.
England calling? Big Sam becomes favourite for national team hotseat
July 13 – A household name in English football but little known overseas, Sam Allardyce is emerging as the frontrunner to take over from Roy Hodgson as England manager.
Low commits to German 2018 World Cup campaign
July 13 – Joachim Low has decided to stay on as Germany’s head coach following their semi-final exit at Euro 2016.
Red Imps spill Celtic blood on rock of Gibraltar
By Andrew Warshaw
July 13 – Who on earth was Brendan Rodgers, the new manager of Scottish giants Celtic, trying to kid? Perhaps just himself. “There’s no embarrassment,” said Rodgers after his side were beaten 1-0 by Gibraltar part-timers Lincoln Red Imps in their Champions League second qualifying round first leg on Tuesday.
Crystal Palace US tour match in Cincinnati to be live-streamed on Facebook
July 13 – Premier League Crystal Palace, currently on pre-season tour in the US, will have their second of three friendly matches streamed live on Facebook.
Asylum seeking footballers urged not to go on the run in Rio
July 13 – Former Sierra Leone international Sheriff Suma hopes the country’s Olympic footballers will not be tempted to abscond when attending this month’s Rio Games.
John-Williams fails to convince home support in bid to be Caribbean king
By Paul Nicholson
July 12 – Trinidad and Tobago FA (TTFA) president David John-Williams, who is bidding to become Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president with the apparent backing of CONCACAF’s leadership, FIFA and UEFA, has come under fire from within his own federation for not consulting his own members and for spending TTFA funds to promote his bid.
Andrew Warshaw: The ‘Platini plot’, the ticketing scandal and the dark forces
When hundreds of television cameras zoomed in on the climax of Euro 2016, capturing Portugal’s elation and France’s despair, one man was conspicuous by his absence – just as he had been throughout the tournament.
Barca kill Messi-to-Chelsea rumours and call on fans for social media support
July 12 – Barcelona have stepped up their support for under-fire superstar Lionel Messi by saying he will not be transferred and has been discredited by the Spanish judicial authorities.
Barcelona to launch mobile video game. Messi will be playing
July 12 – Spanish giant Barcelona have announced a new mobile game that is in development with Hugo Games, an interactive entertainment developer and publisher.