Cameroon’s AFCON 2020 in Jan looks in doubt as shift to 2021 mooted
June 16 – More doubt is being cast on next year’s African Nations Cup in Cameroon because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
UEFA put finishing touches to Lisbon mini-tournament to complete Champions League
June 16 – Reports that UEFA will complete the Champions League with a mini-tournament covering 11 days in a single city have been given further credence on the eve of a vital summit of its top brass.
FIFA’s $16m wages fund receives 441 player applications for help
June 16 – A total of 441 applications have been made to FIFA by players for financial aid through a $16 million scheme allowing them to claim wages unpaid by their clubs.
Premier League prepares for return with video walls, tunnel cams, coin toss audio and VAR
June 16 – Premier League clubs are giving supporters the chance to appear on a live video fan wall that will be streamed into stadiums when the season resumes with two games tomorrow.
Debt fears and cash crunch force FC Kaiserslautern to file for bankruptcy
June 16 – Fabled German club FC Kaiserslautern has filed for bankruptcy after a mounting debt and cash-flow crisis. The club have been crowned German champions four times.
Danes plan to open stadium to fans for Copenhagen derby
June 16 – With the derby in the capital between Bröndby and FC Copenhagen taking place this weekend, Danish football fans will be allowed to return in greater numbers to stadiums.
Mediacom picks up a slice of the future with Brazil and Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Jr
June 16 – Move over Neymar Jr, Brazil’s hottest young talent Vinicius Jr has signed a big deal with a giant agency.
Saudi support of beoutQ piracy could scupper deal for Newcastle United
By Andrew Warshaw
June 15 – With the resumption of the Premier League 48 hours away, the £300 million takeover of Newcastle United by an investment consortium fronted by Saudi Arabia’s controversial Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman remains very much in the balance pending an imminent ruling on whether Saudi Arabia has been guilty of broadcast piracy.
Warner and TTFA’s long shadow put Blatter back into the spotlight over shady $1m loan
By Andrew Warshaw
June 15 – Swiss prosecutors have reportedly launched yet another criminal investigation against former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, this time for suspected mismanagement of $1 million.
Serie A closes in on new money with Bain Capital throwing €3bn offer into the pot
June 15 – Serie A has a second offer of private equity investment as the Italian league battles to find cashflow solutions to alleviate the drying up of broadcast and sponsorship revenue die to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tanzania is first African nation to restart top league, with fans
June 15 – Tanzania has become the first African country to resume the league season after an enforced coronavirus shutdown since March. Local authorities have imposed strict protocols to stage matches and allow fans in attendance.
Trump turns off football after USSF and NFL rule players can take a knee
June 15 – US president Donald Trump has vowed to give up watching football after the US Soccer Federation adopted a new policy that rescinds a requirement for players to stand during the national anthem.
Empty stadia cut home advantage by half, say stats
June 15 – Matches may be severely lacking in atmosphere when the Premier League returns on Wednesday but playing behind closed doors could prove a great leveller in terms of significantly helping away sides.
Wenger warns Brexit could kill ‘superiority’ of Premier League
June 15 – FIFA’s new chief of global football development has warned that Brexit could have a significant negative impact on the future financial and sporting clout of the Premier League.
SIGA Strives 27: Integrity body to focus on criminal legislation in sports context
June 15 – The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has launched a study into the criminal legislation worldwide as they relate to the battle against corruption in sport.