Comment: Criticise me not Qatar for World Cup, says Infantino. OK then, here goes November 20, 2022 In a speech riddled with crass false equivalences on the eve of the World Cup, Gianni Infantino had a message for critics of this tournament. “Don’t criticise Qatar. Don’t criticise the players” the Fifa president said. “Criticise me, because I am responsible for everything.” OK, Gianni; here goes. There is no shortage of material. Criticise [...]
Exclusive: Powerleague chief on price rises and making the ‘tinder of grassroots football’ November 18, 2022 On the eve of the World Cup, grassroots football is the focus for Powerleague boss Christian Rose, who has dragged it out of red and through pandemic with a metaphorical Cruyff Turn. The CEO has been in post for four years after being brought in during 2018 when the company was “not in great shape.” [...]
Trevor Steven: Why England are among my four contenders for Qatar 2022 World Cup November 17, 2022 This World Cup is unique in its location and winter scheduling so I do wonder how real it felt for the England players arriving at their Al Wakrah camp this week, but the Qatar 2022 wallchart now blu-tacked to my fridge tells me it is definitely happening. I’m a little less excited for the tournament [...]
Ed Warner: If Liverpool’s owners want to sell, expect more American buyers November 17, 2022 Ed Warner addresses why American investors are the most likely purchases of any Liverpool shares on the market, why England’s Rugby World Cup defeat was good for the women’s game, and cricket song choices with a sense of humour. Forty-three days without the Premier League. Three days in and already I’m suffering withdrawal symptoms. Yes, [...]
Size matters: Why tiny Qatar decided it needed to host the World Cup November 16, 2022 Sport business and geopolitics expert Professor Simon Chadwick explains the economic, security-related and nation-building reasons why Qatar is hosting the World Cup. With the start of the men’s World Cup in Qatar imminent, fans are looking ahead to the action starting. Some will be anticipating Harry Kane retaining his Golden Boot, though others may feel [...]
Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan: Man Utd could ‘rip up’ contract, top sport lawyer says November 15, 2022 Manchester United are within their right to “rip up the contract” of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan this week. The comment from the head of Sport at Mishcon de Reya comes after the Portugal forward, considered one of the best players in history, caused shockwaves by saying he feels [...]
England and Harry Kane among most overworked at World Cup, study finds November 15, 2022 Optimism around England’s World Cup hopes has been dented after a new study found Gareth Southgate’s to be one of the most at risk of burnout. The Player Workload Journey report by global players’ union Fifpro identified England as one of the most overworked of the 32 teams at the tournament in Qatar. Captain Harry [...]
Virgin’s ‘Pride’ Airbus called Rainbow to fly England squad to Qatar World Cup today November 15, 2022 Team England is reportedly flying off to Qatar today on a plane called ‘Rainbow’. The Virgin Atlantic Airbus, which is chartered by FA, also carried the registration number PRD, or short for ‘Pride’. Moreover, the Airbus plane also features a cartoon of a man holding wearing Rainbow-coloured shoes, while he carries the Union flag, according [...]
Healthy goals: England captain Harry Kane invests in low-calorie doughnut firm November 14, 2022 England football captain Harry Kane has invested an undisclosed sum of cash in a low-calorie doughnut firm, CityA.M. can exclusively reveal. Urban Legend, which offers health-conscious shoppers a range of non high fat, sugar, salt baked goods, has added the sport star to its list of investors. The brand has secured £10m investment in its [...]
Southgate: James Maddison ‘earned right’ to be in adaptable England World Cup squad November 10, 2022 England manager Gareth Southgate insists James Maddison has earned the right to gatecrash a World Cup in which he has placed the emphasis firmly on flexibility. Newcastle striker Callum Wilson and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher were also notable inclusions in Southgate’s party for this month’s tournament in Qatar, named yesterday. But Leicester No10 Maddison was [...]
