Union calls for better education following Livermore cocaine test May 17, 2015 FOOTBALLERS’ union the PFA has called for a renewed drive to educate players on the consequences of recreational drug use after a spate of high-profile positive tests. Hull midfielder Jake Livermore faces a possible two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine, while Sheffield United and Wolves also suspended players last week. “They probably do not [...]
Chelsea striker Diego Costa hopeful of comeback May 17, 2015 Chelsea striker Diego Costa is in contention to return from a seven-match absence when the Premier League champions visit West Brom tonight for their penultimate fixture of the season. Read more: Euro failings put squeeze on Champions League places Costa remains the Blues’ top scorer, with 19 goals in 35 appearances, despite a recurring [...]
Kevin Pietersen could sue over ECB row, say lawyers May 15, 2015 Controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen could take legal action against the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over claims that he was misled regarding his chances of earning an international recall, according to leading sports lawyers. Pietersen has alleged that he was “deceived” by incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves, arguing that he was told there [...]
QPR owner Tony Fernandes must implement austerity measures with £58m Football League fine approaching May 15, 2015 Relegation is always a testing experience for any football club, but for Queens Park Rangers this season the drop comes with more uncertainty than usual. QPR are facing the prospect of a massive £58m fine from the Football League as their financial performance is deemed to be in breach of the league's financial fair play [...]
English football clubs’ shortage of success in Europe is a risk for BT May 14, 2015 Gavin Patterson’s BT, which bid a sky-high £897m for the live rights to Champions League football for the next three years, could see the attractiveness of its package diminished if English clubs continue to perform badly in the prestigious competition next year. Four Premier League teams qualify for the competition but there are fears [...]
ITV a takeover target after Adam Crozier oversees dramatic turnaround May 14, 2015 Charlotte Henry watches a positive programme at ITV, unlike a few years ago. No wonder that takeover talk persists. In a conference centre in Westminster, some of ITV’s shareholders have assembled for the company’s annual general meeting (AGM). They broadly welcomed the progress of the share price, their positivity no doubt boosted by a [...]
Man United in spending push to win trophies May 14, 2015 Manchester United made £95m in the first three months of 2015 thanks to an increase in commercial revenue and sponsorships. The Premier League giants said they were “pleased” with manager Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge but expect the Dutchman to deliver trophies next season. Commercial revenues at the club jumped 11.7 per cent [...]
European failings put squeeze on English Champions League places May 14, 2015 Allocation at risk of being cut after next season as Premier League teams flop. ENGLAND’S biggest football clubs are currently enjoying an era of unprecedented financial dominance, with all 20 Premier League outfits reckoned to be among the 40 richest in the world. Spiralling revenue, driven by ever-swelling television contracts, has afforded even the most [...]
Chelsea spend £4.5m on Brazil starlet Nathan May 14, 2015 PREMIER League champions Chelsea have bolstered their stockpile of talented youngsters by completing the signing of Brazil Under-20 attacking midfielder Nathan. The 19-year-old, who can also play as a second striker and whose full name is Nathan Allan de Souza, is believed to have cost £4.5m from Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense. He joins Chelsea at [...]
Manchester United can nick narrow win over old nemesis Arsenal May 14, 2015 BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEWS MAN UNITED V ARSENAL AND HARRY MADLEY LOOKS AT THE FINAL ROUND OF THE AVIVA PREMIERSHIP Arsenal’s surprise defeat to Swansea on Monday night was only their second home league reverse of the season, but it won’t rankle with them as much as the other one – the 2-1 loss to [...]