It might not be everyone's cup of tea but the Confederations Cup certainly has its worth
Much heat and little light have been expended in recent weeks over the length of the football season, with especial reference to England’s European Championship qualifier against Slovakia on June 11.
Isidro Langara explores the reasons behind the deaprture of Jesus Gil from Atletico Madrid
Goodbye to the great entertainer. Atlético Madrid’s controversial president Jesús Gil y Gil has announced his resignation, claiming it’s the “best thing” for the club over which he loomed large, figuratively and literally, for 16 years.
Wolves' promotion to the top flight is going to cost them. Jim Heath explains how
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ return to top-flight English football has come at a cost. In addition to the well publicised investment club owner Sir Jack Hayward has made over the last decade, he is now having to make payments to Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, Sunderland and Coventry City – adding up to the tidy sum of around £1.5 million. Not bad for a now depressed market. This all stems from add-on clauses to the original fees Wolves paid for players, which would only be activated if and when promotion was finally achieved. So, Shaun Newton suddenly becomes a million-pound player overnight – his original £850,000 fee from when Wolves bought him from Charlton in August 2001 has just increased by some £300,000. Similar increments are due to the others for George Ndah, Alex Rae, Paul Butler and Cédric Roussel. Which is fair enough, as during the season they have all made a big contribution to the overall objective of promotion. Except, that is, Cédric Roussel.
John Chapman explains why the Belgian FA is making it tough for clubs
In a country with 18 political parties and three official languages, it’s no surprise the Belgian FA has labyrinthine regulations. Euro 2000 supremo and ex-FA official Alain Courtois once commented: “They’re so complicated, I’m totally lost.” Recently, those same regulations have swung into action as economic realism hit Belgian football with a vengeance.
Tom Davies explores the role supporters are playing in saving their clubs
The supporters’ group that has assumed control at Exeter City is facing a sizeable battle to keep the club alive over the summer. Their relegation from the Football League on the last day of the season was swiftly followed by the arrest of chairman John Russell and vice-chairman Mike Lewis over allegations of financial irregularities. The pair, who were bailed to return to police in September, promptly stepped down, leaving the club’s reported debts at more than £2 million with creditors closing in.