FIFA 17 review: For the first time in years EA’s annual footy title feels fresh October 5, 2016 For years, the FIFA series has been coasting. A new player on the box, a shiny new sponsor on the ball, a gameplay tweak here and there. Just enough to keep fans playing for another year. FIFA 17 is a more significant update, adding more than a handful of tackling animations. While you won’t find [...]
European leagues threaten to rebel against Uefa over “totally crazy” changes to European club competition October 5, 2016 The chairman of Europe's football leagues insists they are ready to defy Uefa over the governing body's "totally crazy" plans for changes to the Champions League and Europa League. Lars-Christer Olsson said the leagues might break their agreement not to schedule domestic fixtures on the same night as Uefa competitions unless changes set to take effect from 2018 were scrapped. [...]
Bob Bradley admits he could not turn down Swansea job and chance to manage in the Premier League October 4, 2016 Swansea's incoming manager Bob Bradley insists he would have liked to have seen out the season with Le Havre but felt unable to turn down a belated chance to work in the Premier League. The former United States coach had long been tipped to become the first American to manage in England’s top flight before [...]
MPs summon Football Association chiefs following allegations of corruption in English game October 4, 2016 Football Association chiefs have been summoned to appear before the Culture, Media and Sport select committee later this month over the latest allegations of corruption in the game. Sam Allardyce’s abrupt departure as England manager last week was the most high-profile consequence of an undercover newspaper investigation into the football industry. Allardyce was not accused of [...]
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis receives 20 per cent pay rise to £2.6m October 4, 2016 Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis enjoyed a £440,000 increase in his salary last season, despite a trophy-less season for the Gunners. Gazidis' salary increased by 20 per cent to £2.64m, a sum that could make the American the highest paid director in the Premier League. Daniel Levy, chairman of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, was the [...]
Manchester United’s £630m squad named the most expensive in football history, costing £90m more than rivals Manchester City October 4, 2016 Manchester United's current squad is the most expensive in history after a record-breaking summer spending spree took its total cost to €718m (£628m), according to research from the CIES Football Observatory. The academic group based in Switzerland found that no club has ever invested more in its roster than United who ploughed €185m into the team [...]
American Bob Bradley tipped to soar after replacing sacked Francesco Guidolin as Swansea manager October 3, 2016 Former United States and Egypt boss Bob Bradley has been backed to have a deep-rooted impact on Premier League strugglers Swansea City after replacing the axed Francesco Guidolin. It was an unwelcome 61st birthday present for the Italian, who spent 10 months at the Liberty Stadium and guided the Swans to top-flight safety last season [...]
Burnley 0, Arsenal 1: Arsene Wenger admits Gunners were lucky after Laurent Koscielny grabs controversial late winner October 2, 2016 Burnley 0, Arsenal 2 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his team had been lucky after captain Laurent Koscielny’s last-gasp winning goal downed Burnley and closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday. Koscielny’s 93rd-minute effort came in controversially circumstances, the defender appearing the kick the ball onto his hand and over the [...]
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says his team came close to perfection in 2-0 victory over Manchester City October 2, 2016 Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes his team came close to perfection as they inflicted Manchester City's first defeat of the season in a vibrant victory at White Hart Lane. Spurs moved to within one point of leaders City at the top of the Premier League thanks to an early Aleksandar Kolarov own goal and a [...]
Manchester United 1, Stoke City 1: Draw against winless Potters fails to prevent Jose Mourinho describing United performance as best of season October 2, 2016 Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insists his side produced their best performance of the season despite failing to overcome winless Stoke yesterday. Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen snatched a late point for the Potters, capitalising on a rare blunder from United goalkeeper David de Gea, after substitute Anthony Martial had swept the hosts into the [...]