FIFA ethics dig deeper into Makudi allegations of election fraud
July 22 – FIFA ethics judges have opened a case against former Thai powerbroker Worawi Makudi, who faces a four-year ban for alleged election forgery and other misconduct.
AFC kicks off landmark social responsibility programme in Brunei
July 22 – Brunei national team stars were on hand to help launch a series of social responsibility activities today in conjunction with the AFC U-14 Festival of Football 2016 for the ASEAN zone in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
Life after Iceland. FA call in Big Sam to find a beating heart
By Andrew Warshaw
July 21 – Confirmation of Sam Allardyce as the new England manager is imminent but already his credentials for the job have split opinion perhaps more than any previous holder a role that is either the most coveted in football or a poisoned chalice depending on your point of view.
Brazil’s women aim for Rio Gold, but post games future is uncertain
By Samindra Kunti
July 21 – Brazil’s women will start as one of the favourites for the Olympic gold medal next month, but the host nation’s players fear the permanence of the team may be under threat.
Gomez quits Beskitas over fears of Turkish instability
July 21 – German international striker Mario Gomez is to quit Turkish club Besiktas due to the political instability caused by the recent coup attempt.
Video ref trials underway at the Red Bull Arena in the US
July 21 – The first ‘live’ experiments with video refs complete today in New Jersey, US. The trials are part of a workshop organised by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) which governs the rules of the game, in cooperation with the MLS.
Mutko feels the cold shoulder of IOC’s war on drug cheats
July 21 – The 2018 World Cup in Russia has come under yet more scrutiny after sports minister Vitaly Mutko, the tournament’s ultimate supremo, was barred by the International Olympic Committee from attending the forthcoming Rio Games after the damning revelations of a state-run doping system.
Lobbying or observing? The thin FIFA line in UEFA politics
By Andrew Warshaw
July 21 – As Gianni Infantino awaits the most important verdict to date in his brief FIFA tenure, the FIFA president has come under yet more scrutiny over alleged dirty tricks – this time over accusations that he tried to influence the outcome of September’s UEFA presidential election.
Barca, Bayern and Real are good value. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are rip offs
By Paul Nicholson
July 21 – English Premier League fans are getting ripped off when it comes to buying tickets, compared to their continental neighbours. The findings come via an analysis by KPMG’s Football Benchmark team which show Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid give the best value for money in Europe’s football elite.
Hull City put sale talks on hold as Bruce builds his team
July 21 – Premier League club Hull City, promoted back into the top tier after a year in the Championship, will be sold, but not just yet. Owner Assem Allam has put negotiations on hold until after the summer transfer window closes and while they recruit players for the upcoming season.
Infantino forced to wait as ethics probe decision now set for end of week
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – The decision on whether to open a formal investigation into alleged ethics breaches by FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been delayed until the end of this week.
Interim boss Villar officially enters the race for the UEFA presidency
By Andrew Warshaw
July 20 – Spanish football boss Angel Maria Villar Llona has finally confirmed he will run for the presidency of UEFA as the deadline for nominees approaches.
Putin steps in and orders speed up in build of World Cup stadia
July 20 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated officials in St. Petersburg to speed up construction of the city’s new stadium that has been earmarked as a key 2018 World Cup venue.
Man Utd oil the sponsor wheels in China as Jose prepares for Pep
July 20 – Manchester United, in China for pre-season matches against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City as part of the International Champions Cup, have taken the opportunity to reinforce both their commitment to China and to new sponsor partner Gulf Oil, at an event in Shanghai.
Spurs tread new Korean deal with Kumho Tyre
July 20 – Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have announced Korean manufacturer Kumho Tyre as the club’s Official Tyre Partner in a two-year sponsorship that starts with the 2016/17 season.