Chelsea submit plans for 60,000-seat new Stamford Bridge
December 2 – Chelsea have formally submitted a planning application for the expansion of their Stamford Bridge stadium to a 60,000 capacity stadium.
Racism report says sanctions should focus on individuals, not groups
By Mark Baber
December 1 – A UNESCO and Juventus-backed report on the fight against discrimination and racism in football has just been published, aiming to give an overview of the challenge of tackling unacceptable racist, xenophobic and intolerant views and making some concrete recommendations for clubs in how to propagate messages of tolerance, respect and inclusion.
Exclusive: Sorokin backs Mutko and says ‘celebration’ not ‘suspicion’ should lead 2018 planning
By Andrew Warshaw
December 1 – The man running the 2018 World Cup in Russia admits the current corruption scandal that has engulfed FIFA has led to an atmosphere of “universal suspicion” about how his country won the vote but that it must not be allowed to overshadow the tournament.
Hammers nail top spot in attendance chart, Villa hit rock bottom
By Paul Nicholson
December 1 – West Ham United again topped the table of attendance capacities last weekend with just 103 seats at the Boleyn Ground unfilled out of a total of 35,017. Seven Premier League teams reported more than 95% capacity attendances at their stadiums.
It’s Messi vs Ronaldo again for Ballon d’Or
December 1 – There were no surprises when FIFA announced the shortlist for the prize of World Player of the Year, at least as far as the men are concerned, with the usual suspects bidding for honours in the New Year.
Twente chairman quits after Doyen docs show influence on transfer policy
By Samindra Kunti
December 1 – FC Twente chairman Aldo van der Laan has resigned after the leak of a controversial agreement with club investors Doyen Sports Investments.
A question of ‘betrayal’. Armenian denies he meant match-fixing
Andrew Warshaw
December 1 – The Armenian FA have been quick to clarify previous statements that last month’s 3-0 Euro 2016 qualifying defeat by Albania, which sealed the Balkan country’s first ever appearance in a major finals, may have been fixed.
West Ham’s award-winning Indian keeper battles for right to stay in UK
December 1 – One of India’s most accomplished women footballers is facing deportation from Britain due to strict visa rules that threaten to curtail her progress.
Man City group lands $400m of new money from China
By Paul Nicholson
December 1 – City Football Group (CFG), the Abu Dhabi-owned football investment firm that counts Premier League leaders Manchester City as one of its clubs has announced a $400 million new investment from China, valuing CFG at $3 billion.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Real and Atletico could face transfer bans over transfer of minors
By Mark Baber
November 30 – In a report that will be music to the ears of supporters of many clubs, leading European clubs including Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and others may face a FIFA transfer ban.
Warner pleads poverty saying legal process is pushing his finances to the brink
By Andrew Warshaw
November 30 – Disgraced former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who is trying every tactic he can to avoid being extradited to the United States to face corruption charges, now says the legal process is taking its toll on his finances and has filed an appeal challenging the order.
AFC recognises a winning year as it honours its best Bollywood-style
November 30 – On a glittering Bollywood-style night of entertainment and awards in New Delhi, India, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) honoured their players and federations with a series of awards for a season that AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has taken the region to new levels.
Pressure group sends 30-question survey to FIFA candidates
November 30 – The five FIFA Presidential candidates have been asked to nominate their top three priorities if they end up being elected as part of an online survey organised by the pressure group NewFIFANow and run by its co-founder and British parliamentarian Damian Collins.
Adamu surprised that ethics committee went after Blatter
November 30 – One of Africa’s most notorious footballing figures says he never believed Sepp Blatter would find himself sanctioned by his own ethics committee as part of the ongoing corruption crisis.
CONMEBOL backs Infantino, while players union tells Sexwale to do the hard yards
By Andrew Warshaw
November 30 – Without a presidential candidate of their own, the South American confederation CONMEBOL says it will back Gianni Infantino (pictured) to succeed Sepp Blatter in February’s ballot, an early indication of the support the current UEFA general secretary may receive in addition to his own European members.