José Mourinho accused of ‘racist statements’ following Istanbul derby
February 25 – José Mourinho is making headline news again for all the wrong reasons after his latest controversial outburst about Turkish football.
Europe
PSV hope Wasserman can boost commercial ambitions
February 25 – Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven have announced a strategic partnership with global sports agency Wasserman, aimed at enhancing the club’s commercial operations.
Van Persie returns to bring ‘attacking and polished’ football to Feyenoord
February 25 – Robin van Persie has been named the new manager of Dutch giants Feyenoord, signing a contract that extends until 2027 with the club where his playing career began.
Closed canteen and job cuts at Manchester United as club tighten purse strings
February 25 – Just how bad are things at Manchester United? The club are languishing in 15th place in the English Premier League and staff are being laid off in record numbers.
Mesut Özil enters Turkish politics as part of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s party
February 25 – Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil has decided to enter the political game as a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi).
Čeferin talks globalism and Champions League in a world that has not been as dangerous since pre-WW2
February 25 – UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin reckons that 99% of people are now satisfied with the Champions League but says there is no discussion about taking the final of the competition to the US, despite the new partnership with new US-based marketing agency Relevent.
Marseilles president accuses French refs of rigging games after loss to Auxerre
February 24 – Marseille president Pablo Longoria (pictured) faces almost certain punishment from French footballing authorities after an outburst on Saturday in which he claimed his club were the victims of “corruption” following a 3-0 Ligue 1 loss to Auxerre.
Textor fires both barrels at PSG’s ‘illegal’ state finance model, saying rules are not being applied evenly
February 24 – Lyon co-owner John Textor has publicly criticised PSG’s ownership structure, labeling it as ‘illegal’.
China’s JD.com debuts as final secondary sponsor for UEFA Champions League
February 24 – UEFA has locked in its final secondary sponsor for the Champions League, with Chinese e-commerce powerhouse JD.com joining EA Sports, Oppo, and Topps in the ‘Global Enhanced Product / Service Partner’ tier.
Rangers’ patience runs out and part company with Philippe Clement
February 24 – Scottish giants Rangers have sacked under-fire coach Philippe Clement in the aftermath of back-to-back home defeats, the latest being Saturday’s 2-0 setback against St Mirren.
Croatians to tear down Maksimor City Stadium for €175m rebuild
February 23 – The Croatian government and the city of Zagreb, in partnership with Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian FA, have drafted a proposal to knock down and build a brand new Maksimir City Stadium on the same site.
Champions League last 16: Liverpool face PSG, Real and Atleti in Madrid derby
February 21 – In the standout ties of the Champions League’s round of 16, Liverpool have been drawn against perennial contenders Paris Saint-Germain, while reigning champions Real Madrid face crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid in a local derby.
Arne Slot’s team who top the Premier League table, were handed a tough draw as they face the French champions, who waltzed past Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round. In 2018, the pair met in the group stages with both sides winning at home.
Bulgarian tax collectors lift seizure of Levski Sofia’s trademarks after club settles debt
February 2 – The Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) has lifted the seizure of two of Levski Sofia’s club logos after the club paid its state taxes.
The NRA has now designated Levski as a “correct payer”, meaning that the club can now freely use its trademarks without any restrictions.
LaLiga publishes squad cost limits following low spending winter window
Sobaclieu.com
February 20 – LaLiga has published its latest squad cost limits (SCL) following the winter transfer window, with FC Barcelona receiving the biggest economic increase – a €37.2m upward adjustment.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham escapes with two-match ban for ‘disrespecting’ referee
February 20 – Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has been banned for two domestic games for “disrespect” to the referee who sent him off at Osasuna, but avoided a longer ban for allegedly swearing at the official.