SV Darmstadt to launch €33m stadium expansion project
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
October 7 – Bundlesliga club SV Darmstadt 98 is planning a €33 million modernisation of its stadium with the renovation targeted to be completedby the end of 2018.
World Football
Sacramento study backs financial case for city’s MLS ambitions
By Ben Nicholson
October 7 – An economic impact study analysing the impact of Sacramento Republic FC’s proposed MLS stadium has been released, cataloging an enticing list of fiscal benefits.
Cruyff says players need to be pushed beyond their ‘comfort zone’
By Samindra Kunti
October 7 – Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff has warned against too much complacency among players in the modern game at the Aspire Academy Global Summit on Football Performance and Science in Berlin.
More Mourinho blues as Chelsea and Juve rank low with their best buys
October 7 – It has been a busy week for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and the latest analysis by the CIES Football Observatory will not have helped his mood.
Strasbourg FIFA presidential debate proposal founders on lack of debaters
October 7 – An invitation to FIFA presidential candidates to present their respective cases for taking over from Sepp Blatter has not got off to the best of starts with Michel Platini reportedly saying he cannot attend the forum in Strasbourg scheduled for 48 hours after the deadline for nominations.
Turkish prosecutors call for Fenerbahce boss’s conviction to be reversed
October 7 – Turkish prosecutors have called for match-fixing charges against Fenerbahce President Aziz Yildirim to be dropped. In a seven-page document submitted to the Istanbul’s High Criminal Court prosecutor Abdullah Mirza Coskun said the charges should be withdrawn on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
Mexico to be venue for inaugural World Legends Cup in 2017
By Samindra Kunti
October 6 – The World Sport Company in partnership with Global W Mexico has announced that the first edition of the World Legends Cup will be hosted by Mexico in January 2017.
Romania have fan ban lifted for Euros qualifier against Finland
By Mark Baber
October 6 – Thursday’s crucial European Championship qualifier between Romania and Finland will be played in front of spectators after UEFA lifted a stadium ban on the Romanians imposed after fans were accused of racism and throwing missiles during a match against Greece in Bucharest.
IS killings in Bangladesh raise Aussie safety concerns for World Cup Qualifier
By Mark Baber
October 5 – Following the murders of an Italian aid worker and a Japanese tourist, which have both been claimed by the Islamic State (IS), Australia’s Football Federation (FFA) has expressed its concern over the security situation in Bangladesh, ahead of a scheduled World Cup qualifier on November 17.
Football’s leaders gather in Berlin for ASPIRE4SPORT summit
By Samindra Kunti
October 5 – The 2015 ASPIRE4SPORT Congress & Exhibition got underway in the German capital Berlin today. Key stakeholders in the game and performance specialists from clubs and federations are gathering at the summit which has a schedule based on sharing information and experiences of how to create successful structures at the top level of the sport.
Anderlecht u-turn threatens Brussels 2020 Euro stadium
By Samindra Kunti
October 5 – Belgium’s proposed new Brussels-based stadium for the EURO2020 finals might be in danger after leading club RSC Anderlecht have pulled out of the project.
2014 legacy: Corinthians battle to finish and fund Arena
By Samindra Kunti
October 2 – Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht is planning to finally deliver the Arena Corinthians on October 16, but the stadium will not be complete. With a number of sectors and areas around the stadium unfinished, Corinthians have expressed concern, but have said they do not intend to open legal proceedings against the builders.
Estonia earmarks €5m stadium spend as national team interest grows
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
October 2 – As a result of increased interest in the home matches played by Estonia’s national team, the country’s government is planning to spend about €5 million with the aim of increasing the capacity of A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn to about 15,000 seats.
Singapore FA averts FIFA sanctions with move to end government appointments
By Mark Baber
October 2 – Under pressure from FIFA to end government interference in appointment of its officials, the Singapore FA (FAS) has delayed the appointment of new council members, promising to put a new election process in place by March 2016.
Amsterdam ArenA upgrades for 2020 Euros with dramatic new shape
By Paul Nicholson
October 2 – Amsterdam ArenA, the home of Dutch giants Ajax and which will host four matches at the 2020 European Championships, has unveiled a major €50 million renovation project that will radically alter the look of the stadium and upgrade spectator facilities.