Johan Cruyff: Ajax market value grows by €7m as investors buy 14 shares at a time in tribute to club icon March 24, 2016 Ajax's share price enjoyed a mini-rally on Thursday afternoon as investors placed orders for 14 shares in the Dutch football club, a reference to the number worn by club icon Johan Cruyff who passed away earlier today. The club's market value swelled by as much as €7m (£5.5m) as shares rallied by roughly four per cent [...]
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates says Brexit would be damaging for football March 24, 2016 Stoke City owner Peter Coates has warned that a Brexit would cause long-term damage to football in the UK. The founder of bet365 claims the UK opting to leave the European Union would have "frightening" consequences for its economy. Coates echoed the argument of West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady, in suggesting that Premier League clubs [...]
Manchester City target Paul Pogba going nowhere insists Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta March 24, 2016 Incoming Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola may have to forget about buying Paul Pogba this summer after a Juventus director insisted the midfielder was unlikely to leave. Bringing the former Manchester United player to the Etihad is believed to be one of Guardiola's top priorities this summer but Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta insists Pogba [...]
Johan Cruyff: Barcelona, Ajax and Holland legend dies from cancer at 68 March 24, 2016 Legendary footballer Johan Cruyff has died from cancer at the age of 68. The iconic former Barcelona, Ajax and Holland player passed away on Friday surrounded by his family. A three-time winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1971, 1973 and 1974, Cruyff was also one of the game's most influential managers after introducing the Dutch [...]
Champions League: Uefa considers changes which could lock out smaller clubs March 24, 2016 Uefa is considering proposals to change the format of the Champions League which would reduce the number of teams in the group stage from 32 to just 16. Continental clubs are believed to be driving a move toward introducing two mini "super-leagues" of eight to replace the existing eight groups of four as a response [...]
Euro 2016: Danny Drinkwater thirsty for England chance after circuitous route to international recognition March 23, 2016 Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater insists he is ready to capitalise after being granted an 11th-hour opportunity to gatecrash England’s squad for this summer’s European Championship. Uncapped Drinkwater has emerged as a late contender for a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad after playing a key role in the Foxes’ surprise Premier League title challenge. The 26-year-old could [...]
This picture shows what the Olympic Stadium could look like once West Ham move in March 23, 2016 West Ham have unveiled a mock-up of how the Olympic Stadium could appear once they move into their new home next season. The Hammers have submitted a planning application for a wrap design which could decorate the exterior of the stadium in distinctive claret and blue. Read more: In this crazy season, don’t rule out West [...]
Belgium v Portugal friendly cancelled following Brussels terror attacks March 23, 2016 Belgium have moved next week's friendly match with Portugal to Leiria following terrorist attacks in Brussels. Plans to hold the game at the King Baudouin Stadium next Tuesday were scrapped on the request of city authorities. Belgium's football association has arranged to play the game in Portugal and has offered to refund fans who bought a [...]
Euro 2016 matches could be held behind closed doors due to terror threat says Uefa chief March 23, 2016 Euro 2016 matches could be held behind closed doors this summer due to the terror threat in France. Uefa executive vice-committee president Giancarlo Abete has admitted that locking fans out of game could be a possibility if their safety cannot be garuanteed. Following two blasts in Brussels on Wednesday which left more than 30 dead, [...]
Strength of Premier League brand drives shirt sponsorship revenue across Europe March 23, 2016 The value of Premier League clubs' shirt sponsorships has risen by nearly £70m this season, more than any other league in Europe. Premier League shirt sponsorship revenues have grown by 35 per cent from £193m (€244m) to £260m (€330m) in the past year, according to a new report from sports industry adviser Repucom. The Premier League [...]