UEFA reveal European club losses of €1.6 billion
By Andrew Warshaw in Nyon
January 25 – Europe’s major professional clubs continue to rack up staggering losses despite warnings of sanctions under UEFA’s financial fair play rules.
Turkish football officials meet to review match fixing sanction policy
By David Gold
January 25 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will tomorrow meet to discuss whether to amend Article 58 of their disciplinary code, a move which could mean that any teams found guilty of involvement in the match fixing scandal in the country would escape relegation.
Amkar’s assets frozen after Chuprakov debt dispute
By David Gold
January 25 – Russian Premier League team Amkar Perm have had their bank accounts frozen due to a $1.1 million (£700,000/€850,000) debt they owe to former club President Valery Chuprakov.
Under pressure Xamax boss Chagaev sends entire squad on gardening leave
By Andrew Warshaw
January 25 – The controversial President of beleaguered Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax, Bulat Chagaev, has put his entire squad on gardening leave pending the outcome of an appeal against being kicked out of the Swiss league, according to reports.
Japan’s women confident of success at London 2012 after World Cup glory
By David Gold
January 24 – The former Japan Football Association (JFA) general secretary Takeo Hirata has said that Japan’s rivals will be more wary of the women’s world champions at the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer.
Andrew Warshaw: Never before has Swiss football dominated so many column inches
The stereotypical view of Switzerland is a country of chocolates, cuckoo clocks, mountainous beauty, cheese, private bank accounts, watches and rigid efficiency.
Having lived there many years ago, I discovered several other things, both good and bad. Flexibility was never one of the authorities’ great strengths but on the plus side I was struck by the contrast of quiet serenity allied, perhaps surprisingly to some, to a thriving cosmopolitan culture, depending of course which city you are in.
“Exasperating” ISL dossier to be revealed by end of January, says Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
January 24 – The infamous ISL files naming high-ranking FIFA officials who allegedly took bribes could be released at the end of January according to FIFA President Sepp Blatter (pictured).
Malaga hit with transfer ban over Osasuna debt
By David Gold
January 24 – La Liga outfit Malaga, one of the richest teams in Spain, have been banned from transfer activity until they have paid back a debt to rivals Osasuna.
“Good arguments” on both sides says arbitrator as Bin Hammam appeal heard
By Andrew Warshaw
January 23 – Former FIFA Presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam’s campaign to stop the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from replacing him as its leader was heard by sport’s highest court today.
Harry Redknapp in the dock over tax evasion allegations
By Andrew Warshaw
January 23 – Harry Redknapp (pictured), the most successful English club manager of recent years and the man favoured to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss after Euro 2012, appeared in court today to face accusations of tax evasion.
Ukraine and Poland to review visa access for Euro 2012
By David Gold
January 23 – Poland and Ukraine have been urged by UEFA President Michel Platini (pictured right) and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to ease visa restrictions for Russian fans due to attend this summer’s Euro 2012 tournament.
Putin attempts Tom Tomsk rescue plan
By David Gold
January 20 – The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, is attempting to save the Russian Premier League outfit Tom Tomsk from bankruptcy.
African footballers join Oxfam famine appeal
By David Gold
January 23 – Top African stars competing in this month’s African Cup of Nations, including Barcelona’s Seydou Keita (pictured) and Newcastle’s Demba Ba, have joined forces with Oxfam to call for an end to hunger across the continent.
Ghana’s Government buy African Cup of Nations broadcasting rights
By David Gold
January 23 – Ghana’s Government has bought the broadcasting rights to the African Nations Cup, as the competition began in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon this weekend.
Exclusive: FIFA veteran Gagg slams Chagaev as Xamax are on the brink of extinction
By Andrew Warshaw
January 23 – FIFA veteran Walter Gagg (pictured), the man leading a consortium to save two-time Swiss champions Neuchâtel Xamax from extinction, has hit out at the “crazy” behaviour of the club’s Chechen owner Bulat Chagaev and has promised to re-launch Xamax in the lower leagues.