Infantino say FIFA does take sexual abuse ‘very seriously’
July 7 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly rejected allegations that he has personally not done enough to tackle the sexual abuse scandal pervading Afghan women’s football.
Liverpool’s Mane is first to miss 2 penalties in AFCON
By Abdelaziz Abuhamar in Cairo
July 6 – Senegal and Liverpool star Sadio Mane became the first player in the CAF Cup of Nations to have missed two penalties ever in the continental showpiece currently being played in Egypt.
Five bids declared for U-20 Mens World Cup
July 7 – FIFA has confirmed that eight countries have expressed an interest in bidding for the 2021 edition of its men’s under-20 World Cup.
UEFA tells Trabzonspor to restructure debt or be banned from European competition
July 7 – Trabzonspor have been given a lifeline by UEFA to compete in Europe this season despite breaching financial fair play regulations.
It all gets Messi as Argentine accuses Copa America refs of being bent
By Samindra Kunti in Rio de Janeiro
July 7 – Argentina star Lionel Messi slammed Brazil and Conmebol for “corruption” after enduring a torrid end to the Copa America. He boycotted the medal ceremony in the third-place match to drive home his point.
Chinese women get $145m boost backed by Alipay
July 7 – China’s commitment to football has been reinforced in the women’s game with Alipay committing to a $145 million 10-year investment in the women’s game in the country.
Barca get bookie backing from 1xBet in 5-year deal
July 5 – With online bookmakers and Spanish LaLiga clubs speed dating to sponsorships almost daily, 1xBet has announced a five-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona.
FIFA attacks Lindsey in bid to take the moral high ground on sexual abuse
July 5 – FIFA has gone on the attack following stinging criticism of its alleged lack of action to deal with the scourge of sexual abuse pervading the women’s game.
English fan clubs lobby UEFA to rethink European club final venues and pricing
July 5 – With a six-point plan fans groups of Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool have joined forces to urge UEFA to improve logistics for major European finals. Last season’s all-English European club finals were a logistical nightmare for fans in terms of travel and accommodation.
Patel opts to maintain ISL and I-League top tier structure for short term
July 5 – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has postponed a decision to select either the Indian Super League or the I-League as the country’s top league, in favour of maintaining the current top-tier status for both leagues for the next two or three years.
Blatter serving his time ‘peacefully’, but wants disrespectful Gianni to give his watches back
July 5 – Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he is “living in peace” despite his ban from the world game but has accused his critics, notably his successor Gianni Infantino, of showing “no respect” for his 41 years at the organisation including 17 in charge.
Sevilla look to add third tier to Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium
July 5 – LaLiga’s Sevilla have announced plans to expand their Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium.
Palestine forced to postpone Cup Final after Israeli refuse 31 visa applications
July 4 – Footballing tensions in the Middle East have flared up again making FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s comments at the ‘Peace to Prosperity’ workshop in Bahrain look even more absurd than they did at the time of the summit at the end of June.
FIFA happy to count WWC cash but they are not doing enough to stop sexual abuse, says Lindsey
By Andrew Warshaw
July 4 – Afghanistan women’s coach Kelly Lindsey, one of those who blew the lid on sexual abuse by the country’s federation chief and others, has blasted FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of not doing nearly far enough to stamp out the scourge.
Lampard quits Derby to take over from Sarri at Chelsea
July 4 – After weeks of speculation, Chelsea have finally appointed their former midfielder Frank Lampard as their manager on a three-year deal.