Picture from: viagogo.co.uk
Review of the day
Established companies cut derby tickets
Rangers and Celtic usually give each other around 7,000 tickets for away fans to watch derbies between the two bitter rivals. That changed after Rangers announced they would be cutting tickets due to high demand for season tickets, with Celtic quickly following suit. Both teams will now give away just under 1,000 tickets to visiting fans.
Leeds United enters partnership with 49ers owners
Leeds United chairman and majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani has announced that the club has entered into a so-called partnership with the investment entity that owns a majority stake in NFL team the San Francisco 49ers. Radrizzani said the money invested would be used to “improve results on the pitch,” but it was unclear what the partnership would be. 49ers Enterprises is believed to have acquired a 10% stake in Leeds United. Radrizzani said: “This strategic partnership allows Leeds United to align with and gain valuable expertise from the owners of one of the largest sporting entities in the world. The 49ers are an innovative, successful organization and we are delighted to have access to such a wealth of commercial and sporting expertise. This exciting partnership builds on the foundation we have built for the club over the past 12 months with the assurance of funding that will be used to support the stadium and the funding we can put in place for the club.”
Istanbul to host 2020 UEFA Champions League final
UEFA has confirmed that Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium will host the 2020 Champions League final. It also hosted the final in 2005, beating Lisbon’s Stadium of Light for the right to host. Poland’s Arena Gdansk will host the 2020 Europa League final, while the Super Cup will be held at the Stadium of Light.
Sciusco pleads guilty in Sean Cox incident
Two Italian men were arrested after an attack on Liverpool fan Sean Cox, 53, ahead of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Roma. Daniele Sciusco admitted violent disorder, but Filippo Lombardi pleaded not guilty to the same charge and one of causing grievous bodily harm. A trial date is scheduled for October at Preston Crown Court.
Liberia to vote against Morocco’s bid
The Liberian Football Association (LFA) has issued a statement announcing their intention to vote against Morocco in the upcoming 2026 World Cup ballot. The statement highlighted the “commercial value” of the triple bid, which just goes to show how important football authorities around the world are.
Transfer rounding
Andres Iniesta has completed a move to Vissel Kobe after 22 years at Barcelona, where he won 32 major trophies.
Newport County midfielder Ben Tozer joins Cheltenham Town on a free transfer. The 28-year-old has agreed a two-year deal.
Six years later, Curtis Weston left Barnet, joining Chesterfield on a free transfer.
Colin Daniel has gone into style after deciding to leave Blackpool. The 30-year-old defender will join Peterborough United on a free transfer.
PSV Eindhoven defender Joshua Brenett is set to play in the Bundesliga next season after TSG Hoffenheim signed him for £4.5 million.
AEK Athens have made a move to acquire Christos Albanis from Apollon Smyrnis for £360,000.
Veteran Croatian defender Darijo Srna has been sacked by Shakhtar Donetsk.
West Ham United have released Patrice Evra.
Young midfielder Rodri left Villarreal to join Atletico Madrid for £18 million.
Valencia bought Jeffrey Kondogbia from Inter Milan for $22 million.
Poch signs new contract
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino signed a five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur that will last until 2023 amid talk of leaving Tottenham due to a lack of investment in the team. “The idea of achieving long-term, sustainable success.”
Denmark ensures opponents will be outraged
Denmark coach Agger Halled deftly ensured that World Cup rivals France had a reason to go all out, whipping up their fighting spirit by labeling them “nothing special”. He also slammed Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba: “He dyed his hair blue and white against Manchester City, maybe he will dye his hair red and white to play against us. Does he only think about his hair style?” Hareid continued about France: “I don’t believe in this team. The teams at the top of the world rankings are the best teams in the world, but that is not the case with Hareid.
Sac Donadoni, Bologna
Serie A side Bologna have sacked head coach Roberto Donadoni despite describing him as an “excellent” coach. A statement from Bologna read: “Bologna FC 1909 announces that Roberto Donadoni will no longer serve as first-team coach next season.” Club president Joey Saputo said: “I think Donadoni is an excellent coach who has made an important contribution to the credibility of our club. However, despite the commitment and dedication he and his staff have always shown, we believe that the cycle at Bologna has ended after three years.”
Mane sends 300 jerseys home
Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has sent 300 Liverpool shirts to his hometown to ensure his hometown of Bambaly, Senegal, can cheer him on on Saturday. Mane said: “No one will be working in the village today. My family, my mum and uncle still live in the village and they will all watch the game. There are 2,000 people in the village. I bought 300 Liverpool shirts and sent them to people in the village so the fans can wear them [them] Watch the finals. “In April, he also donated £200,000 to help build a secondary school in the village.
Klitschko steps in to arrange flights
Three flights for Liverpool fans heading to Kiev to watch the Champions League final were canceled by Worldchoice Sports because their planes had no slots, with Vitali Klitschko stepping in to hand them over to the company.
Written by Tris Burke May 25, 2018 06:21:03