Farrelly appointed as UEFA’s new communications chief
By Andrew Warshaw
August 30 – UEFA has appointed from within and chosen David Farrelly to become its new head of communications.
Eto’o quits international game after slamming “amateurish” Cameroon set-up
By David Gold
August 29 – Samuel Eto’o, arguably Africa’s greatest football export, has hit out at Cameroon’s “amateurism” and “bad management”, and insisted he will not return to play for the national team.
PAOK Salonika and Rapid Vienna hit with bans after crowd violence
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – PAOK Salonika of Greece and Austria’s Rapid Vienna have both been hit with one-season bans – suspended for three years – by UEFA following crowd violence before a Europa League playoff match.
Warner’s attempts at media acquisitions spark suspicion in Trinidad and Tobago
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who had an often fraught relationship with the international press during his controversial career at the top table of world football, is apparently negotiating buying two media outlets in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
FIFA’s Valcke back in Brazil for World Cup venue tour
By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – Six months being after told he would not be welcome any longer because of a highly publicised rift, FIFA secretary-general Jérôme Valcke is once again back in Brazil on another visit to 2014 World Cup venues having seemingly patched up his differences with the tournament organisers.
Kuwait coach Tufegdžić seriously injured in gun attack
By David Gold
August 29 – Goran Tufegdžić, the coach of the Kuwait national football team, has been shot in the chest, allegedly by a neighbour, and admitted to intensive care in hospital in a serious condition.
Agents banned as Argentina probes alleged tax evasion involving player transfers
By Andrew Warshaw
August 28 – The Federal Administration of Public Income (AFIP), Argentina’s national tax agency, has suspended almost 150 football agents as part of a detailed investigation into alleged tax evasion involving player transfers to overseas clubs.
Étoile kicked out of African Champions League
By David Gold
August 28 – Tunisian outfit Étoile du Sahel have been ejected from Africa’s Champions League after crowd disturbances during their losing match to compatriots Espérance earlier this month.
Brazil fans honour memory of 1970 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Félix
By David Gold
August 28 – A minute’s silence was observed at every Brazilian league match at the weekend after Félix, the country’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper in 1970, passed away aged 74.
Maltese player’s 10-year match-fixing ban questioned by world players’ union
By Andrew Warshaw
August 28 – The international players’ union, FIFPro, has expressed its concern over UEFA’s decision to ban Malta’s Kevin Sammut for 10 years for match-fixing, a punishment that has effectively ended the 31-year-old’s career.
World Cup hosts Russia and Qatar to face fresh probe from FIFA corruption busters
By Andrew Warshaw
August 27 – Michael Garcia, the newly appointed joint chairman of FIFA’s revamped two-chamber Ethics Committee, has confirmed that Russia and Qatar will come under fresh scrutiny for the manner in which they were awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Santander inks deal to support leading South American competition
By David Gold
August 26 – Santander has agreed a three-year deal to become the title sponsor of the Recopa Sudamericana, which pits the winner of South America’s two major continental club competitions against each other.
Boca Juniors forced to play behind closed doors following fans’ violence
By David Gold
August 26 – Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium (pictured) in Argentina will be closed for at least one league match as a punishment for the violent behaviour of fans after this week’s Copa Sudamericana clash with Buenos Aires rivals Independiente.
Manchester United supremo bids to join powerbrokers at UEFA’s top table
By Andrew Warshaw
August 25 – Manchester United chief executive David Gill is set to stand for election for a seat on UEFA’s Executive Committee next year.
Spartak blame Fenerbahçe fans for cyber attack
By David Gold
August 24 – Spartak Moscow has accused Turkish hackers of targeting their website after they beat Fenerbahçe in a UEFA Champions League qualifier this week.