Arsenal agree deal with crypo-based online bookie Sportsbet.io
September 17 – Arsenal have agreed a three-year deal with Estonian cryptocurrency-based sports betting platform Sportsbet.io to be the club’s Official Betting Partner.
UEFA’s return to Nations League action keeps Belgium on top of FIFA rankings
September 17 – In the first set of FIFA rankings since the Coronavirus pandemic suspended fixtures globally in March, Belgium have retained their position at the top with Portugal moving into the top five following this month’s Nations League fixtures.
Neymar given 2-match ban but French will investigate racial abuse accusation
September 17 – Paris St-Germain’s Brazilian superstar Neymar has been banned for two games for his part in the brawl at the end of the fiery Ligue 1 game against arch-rivals Marseille last weekend.
Leicester City and W88 roll the dice for another season
September 17 – Online gaming company W88 has extended its sponsorship with Premier League Leicester City to the end of the current 2020/21 season. No value was given for the deal.
FIFA signs anti-corruption MoU with UN but suspicions of reputation cleansing linger
By Paul Nicholson
September 16 – FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding with anti-corruption agency, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) “to step up their joint cooperation to address threats posed by crime to sport,” said a FIFA press release.
Israel’s Beitar for sale with buyer reportedly from UAE
September 16 – Beitar Jerusalem have confirmed they are in talks with a potential investor from the United Arab Emirates following days of speculation.
Conmebol keeps October dates for 2022 qualifiers, clubs mandated to release players
September 16 – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Conmebol has maintained October’s World Cup qualifying fixtures following consultation with FIFA.
Coronavirus: Pay cuts hit Aussie pro players with more pain to come
September 16 – Australia has revised the collective bargaining agreement for its players, leading to pay-cuts for both the men’s and women’s national teams due to the economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fans, who needs them?
September 16 – Home fans in stadia does not create a major advantage for the host team, according to a new report that examined results of matches in the Covid fan-free world.
FIFA-banned Valcke tells of personal cash crisis in TV rights corruption trial
September 16 – FIFA’s former number two Jerome Valcke told the second day of his tv rights corruption trial how he had struggled “with no income” since losing his job as Sepp Blatter’s right-hand man.
Man City re-treads sleeve branding with new Nexen deal
September 16 – Manchester City have renewed their partnership with Korean tyre giant, Nexen Tire, for a third term, keeping their sleeve sponsorship position and adding sleeve branding to the women’s team, training kit branding and the club’s esports team.
Bale(ing) out: Real Madrid close in on a deal to return Welsh winger to Spurs
By Andrew Warshaw
September 16 – Never go back is an old football adage. But in what would be an audacious verging on sensational swoop, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks with Real Madrid about an on-loan re-signing of Gareth Bale, whom they sold to the Spanish giants for a then world record transfer fee all of seven years ago.
Swiss trial of Valcke and Al-Khelaifi stalls as Greek ‘third man’ fails to show in court
September 15 – The so-called “third man” in the corruption trial of FIFA’s disgraced former secretary general Jerome Valcke (pictured) and Paris Saint-Germain chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi failed to show up when the high-profile case began this week in the Swiss city of Bellinzona.
Messi’s $126m beats Ronaldo’s $117m to top rich list
September 15 – Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has topped the Forbes list for highest-earning footballers in 2020, beating his eternal rival and Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ahmad stays quiet on whether he will bid to keep CAF presidency at Rabat congress
September 15 – The Moroccan capital of Rabat has been confirmed as host of next year’s eagerly anticipated Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential elections. What hasn’t is whether under-fire CAF current president Ahmad will stand again.