Refs need to control their emotions too, says Blatter
By Andrew Warshaw
April 16- Sepp Blatter says referees too often go over the top in the way they caution and send off players, sometimes inflaming incidents in the process.
World Football
Mutko reports on progress of $17.1bn Russia 2018 stadium build
April 16 – Russian Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko, speaking at a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy, outlined the progress of the stadium build for the FIFA World Cup 2018.
Bulgarian legends put academy ventures top of their agenda
By Alexander Krassimirov
April 16 – Bulgarian football legend Krassimir Balakov is preparing a football academy project inn his name in Sofia. Balakov already has submitted documents in Sofia Municipality with a request for an appropriate site for the Academy.
The pearl of Sochi set to return to professional life in Olympic setting
By Richard van Poortvliet
April 16 – The ‘Fisht’ Stadium in Sochi has been a bit of a lonely place following the conclusion of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. However this should change soon after the news that Sochi Zhemchuzhina are going to get another lease of life.
NWSL case study shows regional best practice, as the league opens second season
By Paul Nicholson
April 15 – CONCACAF’s Club Licensing Department has published its first Case Study to showcase and promote best practice in the region. The study looks at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) which is about to start its second season.
UEFA’s financial police meet to discuss club progress, and failures, on FFP
By Andrew Warshaw
April 15 – The UEFA body probing whether Europe’s clubs are complying with financial fair play are meeting today and tomorrow – with those who continue to spend beyond their means likely to be named early next month.
Atlético coach uses Google Glass headset to track live stats pitchside
By Tom Parsons
April 15 – Sunday saw a first in football history as Atlético Madrid assistant coach German Burgos used Google Glass to help his team keep their La Liga hopes on the right track with a 2-0 win over Getafe.
Romanian federation inks deal with InStat Football
By Jaroslaw Adamowski
April 15 – The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) has signed a contract with Russia-based InStat Football for the provision of analytical tools for technical and tactical evaluations of footballers’ performance.
Austrian prosecutors charge Groedig and Kapfenberg match-fixers
By Andrew Warshaw
April 15 – Austria’s match-fixing scandal has escalated still further with the news that former players Dominque Taboga (pictured) and Sanel Kuljic and several other unidentified people have now been charged.
Swedes rule not to replay abandoned game out of respect for dead fan
April 15 – A Swedish first division game abandoned after a supporter died in clashes before kick-off will not be replayed.
Turks confident they are in pole position to host Euro 2020 semis and final
By Andrew Warshaw
April 14 – Two weeks before the deadline for final bid dossiers to be submitted to UEFA, Turkey looks to have cemented its status as favourites to stage the semi finals and final of Euro 2020.
Indian Super League franchises attract celebrity owners for high octane launch
By Mark Baber
April 14 – The Indian Super League (ISL) franchises were announced on Sunday and the winning bids include leading celebrities of Indian film and cricket, much to the delight of promoters IMG Reliance. Even cricket legend and indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar (pictured) got in on the act. Local media and football officials have described the move variously as a big leap forward for Indian football, or marking its doom.
Vietnamese club owner says players fixed ACL game
April 14 – Asian football has been rocked by yet another match-fixing scandal, this time involving 11 players of the high-flying Vissai Ninh Binh club.
Lekjaa takes the reins in Morocco after election re-run
By Paul Nicholson
April 14 – The Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF) has a new president. Skhirate-Fouzi Lakjaa (pictured second left), the only candidate standing, was elected on Sunday for a four-year term.
Rangers win at casino but boardroom money rows rumble on
By Paul Nicholson
April 14 – Rangers’ financial turmoil has received a much-need positive boost with the announcement of online gaming firm 32Red as its new shirt sponsor. The three-year deal will start next season. 32 Red takes over from Blackthorn cider.