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 [...]
Euro 2016: Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge can be Roy Hodgson’s answer to Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham March 22, 2016 As Roy Hodgson’s plans solidify in the coming days over who will make his Euro 2016 squad, I hope he stays open-minded about the ‘right’ number of forwards to take to France for this summer’s tournament. The England coach might be expected to limit his allocation to five in the final 23, as others have [...]
Forget World Cup in 2022, England can win the European Championships in four years, insists Trevor Brooking March 22, 2016 Scepticism abounded when Greg Dyke began his chairmanship of the Football Association by claiming England could win the 2022 World Cup, but Sir Trevor Brooking insists the Three Lions are on course to lift silverware two years earlier. England have only fleetingly threatened to end a seemingly interminable wait for success, last tasted at the 1966 World [...]
International Champions Cup: Leicester City to join Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid in prestigous pre-season tournament March 22, 2016 Leicester City may still have seven games left in which to win the Premier League title, but they have already hit the big time after being invited to join Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in a pre-season tournament this summer. The unlikely league leaders will join the European elite in the 2016 International Champions [...]