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Uefa shelves plans to impose a transfer ban for rule breaches
The European governing body confirmed this week that transfer ban proposals for those who break financial fair play rules have been dropped because they were unenforceable. Control over player registrations lies with national associations and Fifa, not Uefa.
Top clubs commission reports to support their case for more money from TV
Elite Premier League clubs have commissioned reports to support their case for more money from TV deals at home and abroad reports The Daily Mail. Liverpool have taken the lead in the group of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal – whose foreign owners are determined to maximise TV income – in questioning whether the Premier League’s domestic model delivers them the best returns.
Chelsea consider Battersea Power Station site for new stadium
Chelsea have appointed Mike Hussey, chief executive of Almacantar, as their development partner and have hired architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox to draw-up plans for the construction of a 55,000-60,000 capacity stadium to the south-east of the Grade II listed power station site. The site is on the south side of the river Thames, about 3 miles from Stamford Bridge.
Arrest warrant issued for Portsmouth FC
Lithuanian prosecutors have issued a European arrest warrant for Vladimir Antonov the Russian owner of Pompey in connection with £250m in assets stripped from a local bank.
Rovers’ main sponsor in attack on Venky’s
Wayne Wild, group director of the WEC Group, Blackburn Rovers’ main sponsor, told the Lancashire Telegraph of his frustrations that he has received no direct contact from Venky’s, despite writing a letter of concern to them six weeks ago. Mr Wild admits he feels WEC are not being valued as clients and fears the negative publicity surrounding the club is having a direct impact on the company.
Romanov values Hearts at £50m
Having recently announced his plans to sell the club, Vladimir Romanov, the Lithuania based owner of Scottish Premier League club Heart of Midlothian, has placed a £50m price tag on the Edinburgh team. Romanov claims to have invested about £200m in the club.
Old Firm consider 39th game
Celtic and Rangers are in talks to revive the 39th game concept that would see them play a regular-season Old Firm derby abroad to boost revenues and enhance their profile, reports The Daily Mail. New York, where there is a considerable following for both sides, was regarded as the most suitable location but there has been keen interest in hosting a game in Qatar also.
Norwich City consider stadium expansion
With healthy financial figures as a result of a return to the Premier League Norwich City chief executive confirmed the club were exploring an increase in their 25,000 capacity Carrow Road stadium. “We will also explore all stadium development opportunities. The often stated target is a 35,000 capacity and we need that to become a self-sustaining football club in the absence of a billionaire benefactor.” David McNally said.
Goal-line technology by 2012?
Alex Horne, the general secretary of the FA, told the BBC that if one or more of the nine goal-line technology systems currently being tested works, then the laws governing football are likely to change. A final decision is expected to be made in July 2012.
Sky agree new Scottish Premier League deal
The Scottish Premier League has announced a new five-year contract extension with Sky Sports and ESPN to show 30 live games per season across the UK. The new deal will run from season 2012/13 and BBC Scotland has learned it will net top-flight clubs around £80m.
AMERICAS
FIFA renews call for MLS to align with Europe
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said it would be best for MLS, which currently runs from March to November, to align itself with Europe’s schedule. “It would be better for US Soccer, and specifically also for the [US] national team. And the popularity inside the country.” Blatter said.
MLS unveils changes for 2012 season
With the Montreal Impact becoming the MLS’ 19th team in 2012, the league this week announced changes to the format. Each team will still play 34 regular season matches, but the regular season will have an unbalanced schedule, with each club playing a team from the other conference just once, while the number of games against specific in-conference opponents will vary. This year, every team played one another home and away.
Traffic takes CONMEBOL to court
Brazil-based agency and event management company Traffic Sports has said it is taking the Confederación Sudamericana de Futbol (CONMEBOL) to court over what it saw as the illicit granting of Copa América commercial rights to a rival agency.
Earthquakes’ stadium plans moving forward
After nearly two months of deliberation on noise analysis and lighting plans for the San Jose Earthquakes proposed new stadium, the Planning Division of the City of San José announced a public hearing scheduled for December 14. Thereafter a final decision will be made on whether the draft Planned Development permit for the 18,000 capacity stadium will be approved.
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