Bilic wins Premier League sack race, but loses West Brom job to Allardyce
By Andrew Warshaw
December 17 – Thirteen games into the new English Premier League season and we have the first managerial casualty, one that almost beggars belief.
Trinidad’s John-Williams exposes lies of Panama accounts and culture of fabrication
By Paul Nicholson
December 17 – Former Trinidad and Tobago FA president David John-Williams (pictured), the target of a vitriolic character assassination in local media and from the TTFA management that ousted him (before they were removed by FIFA), has issued a powerful statement and evidence rebutting accusations that he stole FIFA funds as “fabrication”.
IFAB clears way to start tests of new concussion subs rule and protocols in January
December 17 – The potential introduction of concussions substitutes took a step nearer with rulemaking body IFAB fast tracking trials of a new rule to begin in January 2021.
LaLiga takes its digital business to market with €450m valuation
December 16 – Spain’s LaLiga is hiving off its digital product into a new company which it has valued at €450 million and is now being touted to private equity investors.
Tigres and Club America lead Mexican bid for another Champions League title
December 17 – With coronavirus case spiking at just the wrong time in the US, Concacaf has nevertheless managed to complete its centralised quarter finals in Orlando with two Mexican, one Honduran and one US team lining up for Saturday’s semi-finals.
Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai primed for Asian Champions League finale
December 17 – With the Champions League in Europe taking a break until February, all eyes are on the final of Asia’s equivalent competition on Saturday when South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai take on Iranian giants Persepolis in Qatar.
Palmeiras confident of 2021 profit but 2020 losses hit €21.7m and counting
December 17 – Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras have projected a profit of €1.6 million for the 2021 season, but will suffer heavy losses in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
UEFA warms to Green Deal sign-up and focus on carbon cutting Euro 2024
December 17 – UEFA and president Aleksander Ceferin have formally confirmed they will support the newly launched European climate pact.
Who’s the Daddy? Maradona legend continues with court ordering DNA is preserved
December 17 – The body of Diego Maradona “must be conserved” in case his DNA is needed in a paternity case, an Argentine court has ruled.
India promises opening of new football frontiers with launch of 2027 Asian Cup bid
By Paul Nicholson
December 16 – India have launched their bid for the 2027 Asian Cup hosting in New Delhi, joining already confirmed Qatar and Saudi Arabia as potential hosts for AFC’s flagship competition after China host in 2023.
Basque breakaway bid looks for UEFA and FIFA recognition
December 16 – The Basque Football Federation has applied to FIFA and UEFA to be officially recognised so the regional team can compete in international competition.
Lille owner Lopez parts company with club as US money pulls rank, reports
December 16 – Gerard Lopez has reportedly sold Lille following pressure from major US creditors Elliott Management and JP Morgan.
PSG favourites to pick up Messi’s £52m wages
December 16 – Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be growing increasingly confident of landing Lionel Messi on a free transfer next summer because of his wage demands at Barcelona whose finances have taken a massive hit as a result of the effects of coronavirus.
AC Milan’s Gazidis casts doubt over ‘reality’ of Super League breakaway
December 16 – AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis has downplayed the threat a European Super League which recently resurfaced when former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said his club had received an invitation to take part.
Brexit rules will stem flow of young foreign talent, says Man Utd academy boss
December 16 – The head of Manchester United’s academy has warned that Brexit will have an adverse effect of English clubs trying to sign young players from overseas.