Eqypt end Queiroz contract after Senegal’s World Cup knockout blows
April 11 – Egypt and Carlos Queiroz have parted ways after the Portuguese coach failed to lead the Pharaohs to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
ECA and European Leagues welcome reform of UEFA’s financial ‘fair play’
By Andrew Warshaw
April 8 – The two umbrella organisations representing Europe’s clubs and leagues have given their wholehearted support to UEFA’s important new financial monitoring rules designed to beef up the previously flawed system and which, tellingly, no longer include the words “fair play”.
Fifagate: CAS overturns Burga ban and sends case back to FIFA investigators
April 8 – Two and half years after being banned for life by FIFA, former Conmebol bigwig Manuel Burga has had the ban annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and his case sent back for a fresh investigation.
Premier League probe of Man City ongoing as alleged evidence of FFP breaches surfaces
By Paul Nicholson
April 8 – On Wednesday Manchester City announced it would be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its first Premier League title and that history making goal in the 93rd minute of extra time by Sergio Aguero that won it for them.
Shirt found in South Sudan becomes AC Milan’s first NFT in a charity initiative
April 8 – Italian giants AC Milan have launched their first official NFT, a 3D NFT of a Rossoneri jersey found in South Sudan.
Amnesty report on Qatar security guards keeps human rights pressure on FIFA and Qatar
By Samindra Kunti
April 8 – A new report from Amnesty International has revealed that security guards involved in projects linked to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are being subject to conditions that “amount to forced labour” with the human rights group urging FIFA to act.
‘Infiltrator creator’ Bukayo Sako tops U21 player ranking, bad boy Greenwood is second
April 8 – Arsenal and England’s emerging star Bukayo Sako tops Manchester United’s troubled Mason Greenwood in a ranking of the 100 best performing U21 outfield players from 32 European leagues.
Parisian club Red Star FC to be added to 777 Partners portfolio
April 7 – Parisian club Red Star FC have entered exclusive takeover talks with American investment fund 777 Partners to become part of their expanding club portfolio.
Bundesliga greenlights Supponor’s virtual ad technology for league-wide use
April 8 – Virtual advertising specialist Supponor has been given German league-wide approval to supply software-based virtual advertising, via its Supponor AIR solution, from the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL).
UEFA forges ahead with financial reforms that will cap squad wages and transfer spending
By Paul Nicholson
April 7 – UEFA have rubber-stamped wide ranging changes to their financial sustainability regulations for clubs, the first major reforms to rules that were introduced in 2010 but were starting to creak under an evolving football business and the financial effects of the pandemic.
Ceferin welcomes end to biennial World Cup ‘nonsense’ but keeps counsel on Russia
By Andrew Warshaw
April 7 – UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin today welcomed the apparent abandonment of the idea to stage the World Cup every two years by describing the whole concept as non-sensical.
FIFA fund releases further $3m to support unpaid players
April 7 – FIFA has allocated a further $3 million from its fund to support professional players who have not been paid by their clubs and have no chance of receiving the salaries agreed with those clubs.
Aussies focus on 2023 legacy build with Disney+ commission for 6-part Matildas doc
April 7 – The Walt Disney Company is to produce a six-part documentary series covering the Australian women’s team, the Matildas, as they build up for their home Women’s World Cup in 2023 which is being co-hosted with New Zealand.
US investor Chris Kirchner closes in on Derby buy, but where’s his money coming from?
April 7 – American businessman Chris Kirchner has been named as the preferred bidder for English second-tier side Derby County, the club’s administrators have confirmed.
Fake news: FIFA scotches rumours of Infantino 100-minute plan
April 7 – FIFA have been quick to rubbish reports coming out of Italy which suggested World Cup games in Qatar could last 100 instead of 90 minutes.