News Analysis: The real Big Picture
By David Owen
When it comes to the football business, one cannot help but admire John Henry’s timing.
Premier League clubs’ big transfer spend was not irresponsible, says academic
October 13 – The collective £830 million transfer fee spending by Premier League clubs during this year’s (extended) summer window was not an extravagant amount in a time of revenue uncertainty and no match day income, according to a football finance academic at the Global Institute of Sport (GIS).
Peru forced to reshuffle frontline for Brazil World Cup qualifier as strikers test positive
October 13 – Peru’s Raúl Ruidiaz (pictured) and Alex Valera have tested positive for the coronavirus, ruling both strikers out of their World Cup qualifier with Brazil on Tuesday.
Scholes moves from Salford City boardroom to pitch side
October 13 – Manchester United and England legend, and Salford City co-owner Paul Scholes, has been appointed interim head coach of the League Two club after the dismissal of manager Graham Alexander.
Big money Manchester clubs pay €1.84bn for players in 2019, EPL buying power dominates
October 13 – An analysis on the transfer fees paid by big-5 league clubs in 2019 shows a dominance of Premier League clubs amongst the big spenders, with Manchester City topping the spending table, and Manchester United third ranked, just behind PSG.
South Korea’s K League to open stadia to 25% capacity, but no song or dance
October 13 – South Korea, the first major football country to return to top tier league action in May after the global football shutdown in March, has now announced a limited reopening of stadia to fans.
Germans rule fans out of attending Nations League match against Swiss in Cologne
October 13 – Germany will host Switzerland in the Nations League on Tuesday behind closed doors in Cologne because of rising coronavirus numbers.
Roma set to sign off on 4-year New Balance deal
October 13 – Serie A club AS Roma are reportedly close to signing a longer term kit deal with US sportswear brand New Balance.
Anger over Man Utd and Liverpool power grab that would change face of English football
By Andrew Warshaw
October 12 – Could it be the saviour of English football or death knell for the game as we know it? Is it handing power to a cartel of money-grabbing clubs or an invaluable rescue package for the lower professional leagues?
Court decision delayed as United TTFA gang hit with lawsuits and John Williams hits back
By Paul Nicholson
October 12 – It will be another busy week for Trinidad and Tobago football with the nation’s future being played out in courtrooms rather than on the field of play as the local battle for control of the game in the country continues.
MLS postpones three Round 17 matches after clubs hit by positive Covid tests
October 12 – Major League Soccer postponed three matches from last weekend’s round 17 fixtures following positive coronavirus tests.
Nations League hots up with Europe’s giants battling for bragging rights
October 12 – Heavyweights Portugal and France lost their perfect records in this season’s Nations League after playing out an underwhelming 0-0 draw against each other on Sunday, while Belgium saw its 13-match unbeaten run ended by a 2-1 defeat against England.
Singapore Premier League gets clean bill of health to restart
October 12 – The Singapore Premier League (SPL) will resume behind closed doors on October 17, local authorities announced after coronavirus tests for all 223 players came back negative and the overall decline of the virus in the country.
Turkey to partially re-open stadia to monied from October 17
October 12 – From October 17, some Turkish football fans will be allowed to attend domestic football matches again, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced.
Premier League accelerates into PPV but fan backlash at £14.95 price tag
October 12 – The English Premier League faces a backlash from fans after agreeing a deal with domestic broadcasters Sky and BT Sport for games not already being shown live to be offered via pay-per-view.