Who are the leading contenders to win Euro 2016? France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium assessed ahead of the international break March 26, 2016 The international break is one of the final opportunities for Euro 2016's leading contenders to prepare for business in France this summer. Heavyweight nations France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium are all expected to duke it out in the latter stages of the tournament – here's the current state of play for each. France [infographic [...]
Sky Sports: Premier League games could be presented by celebrities such as Holly Willoughby or James Corden on Friday nights March 26, 2016 Celebrities such as James Corden and Holly Willoughby are being considered as potential presenters for Sky Sports' Friday night Premier League games next season. The broadcaster is currently discussing how to differentiate the live Friday night games it will show next season from the rest of its output. One idea is a more relaxed, entertainment show [...]
Alisher Usmanov: Arsenal need Arsene Wenger March 26, 2016 Arsenal's second largest shareholder Alisher Usmanov has given his unequivocal backing to beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger. Read more: Alisher Usmanov is no longer Russia’s richest man Some fans have called for Wenger to step down following a season which looks set to end without silverware unless the Gunners can overhaul an 11-point gap between themselves and [...]
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 [...]
London house prices: Solving the capital’s housing crisis needs more than just cynical promises from mayoral hopefuls March 24, 2016 Tottenham’s resurgence near the top of the Premier League seems to have dovetailed with its housing market, which has shot up 10 per cent in a year. Massive investment across north east London from long term investors such as Grainger, Argent and Legal & General is transforming the area, with a high focus on build to rent. Crucially, many [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Jonas Gutierrez suing Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United for £2m March 22, 2016 Footballer Jonas Gutierrez is suing former club Newcastle United for £2m over the way he was treated following his battle with testicular cancer. The Argentine winger, 32, has made a claim for disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 after he was released by the Premier League club last summer. He claims that his illness [...]