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United and Liverpool are the two most successful teams in English football but have won only one league title each in the past decade. "You get a lot of money from the Premier League, from broadcasting and sponsorship, but you also have to put a lot of money in to keep your team." "The failure of the proposal and the failure of Premier League clubs to gain greater power in the running of the league are likely influencing factors," said Spencer Harris, Associate Professor of Sport Management at the University of Colorado. "The current owners (of Liverpool and United) don't have the finances to compete and invest on the level of these other clubs." "(There is a) general realisation that English Premier League teams, the two biggest ones per se, are relatively uncapitalized versus NFL franchises, which have been a barometer for a longer period of time."

☆ Amateur players send letter of claim in potential legal action over brain injuries
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 19 (Reuters) - More than 55 amateur rugby union players sent a letter of claim to World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) on Thursday to begin the pre-action phase of their lawsuit over possible brain injuries. The group includes several retired female internationals, elite male players who played before 1995, elite youth players and the family of a deceased rugby player. Richard Boardman of Rylands Garth, which represents more than 275 ex-professional rugby union, rugby league and football players with brain injuries, in July last year brought a similar claim against those rugby bodies and the Rugby Football League. Ahead of this year's Rugby World Cup in France, World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont pointed to the advancement of player and women's welfare in rugby in 2023, a year in which the sport will celebrate its 200th anniversary. "There will also be developments related to the other key pillars of our welfare plan, including our commitment to education and support for former players," he added.

☆ Who could buy Manchester United and how much is it worth?
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jan 18 (Reuters) - Jim Ratcliffe's company INEOS formally entered the bidding process to buy Manchester United on Tuesday, months after the club owners, the Glazer family, said they were considering selling the club as they explore "strategic alternatives". MIDDLE EASTERN INVESTORSUnited's local rivals Manchester City are bankrolled by the Abu Dhabi United Group, while Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund completed a 300 million pound buyout of Newcastle United in 2021. Bloomberg News reported this week that United, Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool were being targeted by QSI for a potential acquisition. The Times newspaper, which first reported Ratcliffe's INEOS entering the bidding, said that interest from the United States and Asia is also expected. Asked by the BBC at the time if he needed to raise four billion pounds to buy United, O'Neill said: "I'm not sure if it'll necessarily be that much, but let's see."

☆ Premier League talking points
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jan 15 (Reuters) - Talking points from the latest round of Premier League games:RAMSDALE PROVES HIS WORTH TO KEEP GUNNERS ON TRACKGoalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has had his critics at Arsenal but the 24-year-old proved his worth in the league leaders' 2-0 victory at rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, making a string of fine saves to keep Spurs at bay. "We showed the other face when we had to dig in, we needed some big moments from Aaron," coach Mikel Arteta said. Manchester United's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over rivals Manchester City on Saturday was not without its fair share of controversy. Rashford was deemed not to have interfered and the goal stood, before the in-form England forward went on to score the winner. "I understand he (Rashford) doesn't touch the ball but he's running for 30 metres until the last second.

☆ Pelé remembered for transcending soccer around world
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Pelé was remembered for a life beyond the field, for transcending the sport of soccer and becoming perhaps the most well-known person on Earth. I would say that before Pelé soccer was just a sport. He is gone, but his magic will endure.”Pelé scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches and is the only three-time world champion, winning titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Throughout his life, Pelé inspired generations of athletes and deserves every tribute.”Ronaldo, who led Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, described Pelé as “Unique. Four years ago, Mbappé became only the second teenager — after Pelé — to score a goal in a World Cup final.

☆ Soccer-In year of drama, World Cup shines spotlight on growth in the sport
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 20 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's World Cup fairytale lit up the year in soccer as heroics and heartbreak at the finals captivated fans and highlighted the growth of the world's most popular sport despite the criticism of host country Qatar's human rights record. With matches played in air-conditioned stadiums to cope with the heat of the desert state and no beer on tap in stadiums, spectators experienced a World Cup like never before. Playing in a fifth World Cup for Argentina, the incomparable Messi once again left everyone in awe of his magical powers on the field as he smashed records and delivered on the hopes of a nation, bringing the World Cup home after 36 years. The South American giants were handed a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in their first group game, which statisticians Gracenote credited as the biggest upset in World Cup history. With every continent represented in the World Cup last 16, the most diverse knockout stage in the tournament's history was evidence of the sport's expanding reach.

David Beckham, England — World Cup (1998, 2002 and 2006)Nate: The uncontainable aura of a man who transcended the sport and captured the world’s eyes. Eusebio, Portugal — (World Cup 1966)Nate: Rising high by the crowd that carries him; adored by Benfica, adored by Portugal, adored by the whole world. Zlatan Ibrahimović , Sweden (World Cup, 2002 and 2006)Nate: An ever present mythos … seemingly reversing time whilst being a journeyman through it. Lionel Messi, Argentina — (World Cup, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018)Nate: Ladies and gentlemen … It’s Lionel Messi. Socrates, Brazil — (World Cup, 1982 and 1986)Nate: Philosopher by name … glory that belongs in the Colosseum.

Soccer’s global governing body has found itself at loggerheads with seven European nations over the threat of sanctions for any player wearing a “OneLove” armband during games. Kane (right) wears the "OneLove" armband during the Nations League game between England and Italy on September 23. So that’s why we chose to do this.”Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib wears a "OneLove" armband in the stands. Germany's players pose with their hands covering their mouths prior to their World Cup game against Japan. The “OneLove” armband is not the only instance of attire being scrutinized at the World Cup.

☆ Qatar World Cup bans English soccer fans from dressing as medieval Crusaders
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Patrick Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

England fans pose for a picture with English footballer Trevor Sinclair at 4TheFans Fan Park ahead of the match. When the United States' national men's team faces England at the Qatar World Cup later on Friday, one thing will be missing: medieval knights. Soccer's governing body FIFA has told English soccer fans to ditch imitation chain mail, shields and swords or miss the game, according to the Times of London. England fans have worn similar outfits at previous tournaments while watching other sports. Press photos and social media footage show that England fans wearing Crusader gear were allowed into the stadium to watch their team's match against Iran.

☆ Fact Check-England footballers take the knee at Qatar World Cup to ‘peacefully protest against discrimination, injustice, and inequality’
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

England footballers have taken the knee at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar to “protest against discrimination, injustice and inequality” and say the gesture is not “aligned to a political organisation or ideology”, as some people have claimed online. The tweet in the screenshot reads: “So the England team are going to take the knee before the Iranian team because of a policeman in Minnesota? They are doing this as a mechanism of peacefully protesting against discrimination, injustice, and inequality. There can be no doubt as to why the players are taking the knee and what it represents in a footballing context.”VERDICTMisleading. England football players take the knee as a peaceful protest against discrimination, injustice and inequality.

☆ For Iranians, this World Cup is about more than football
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

In the buildup to the World Cup in Qatar, there were calls for Iran to be thrown out of the tournament. Protesting at the World Cup, on the biggest stage of all for football, carries potentially huge risks for the current players in the national team. Nonetheless, players will be free to protest at the World Cup so long as they do not break FIFA rules, their manager Queiroz has said. Iran’s football authorities vowed that “people who have not followed professional and sports ethics … will be dealt with according to the regulations,” a statement published by Iran’s Football Federation after the beach soccer game said. “While this is happening, I cannot see people being overly excited [about the World Cup] when they’re out on the street fighting for freedom,” Mossavat says.

☆ British comedian Joe Lycett did not shred $11,000 over David Beckham’s role as Qatar World Cup ambassador
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Zayn Nabbi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Lycett said he did not receive a response from Beckham, which led to him sharing a video of himself appearing to shred the money. A report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) published in October documented alleged cases of beatings and sexual harassment while in detention. According to victims interviewed by Human Rights Watch, security forces allegedly forced transgender women to attend conversion therapy sessions at a “behavioral healthcare” center sponsored by the government. The world is watching,” said Rasha Younes of Human Rights Watch. The World Cup got underway on Sunday, with host Qatar losing 2-0 to Ecuador.

That’s what you work so hard for … That’s why you play,” Rooney reminisces. The club went into administration after debts spiraled and it failed to play players their wages. “He was great to play for, he’s the reason I signed for Manchester United to play for him. Then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates Wayne Rooney after his final Premier League title win in 2013. While Rooney was in Dubai, goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes gave the Manchester club a dominant victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

☆ Remembrance Day: For one dissenting voice, this is his most dangerous day
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

“Most Irish nationalists, most Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland regarded it as being not for them. “[It is a] sort of a badge, an emblem or totem of British imperialism, British colonialism.”‘The Troubles’McClean is one such dissenting voice. He was born and raised in Derry, a small town in Northern Ireland bordering the Republic. "The Troubles" split communities in Northern Ireland who still feel the affects more than 20 years later. At the time, he questioned the Northern Irish football team’s decision to play “God Save the Queen” as its national anthem.

☆ Liverpool FC: Off the pace in the Premier League, FSG owners would consider new shareholders
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( David Close | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Liverpool FC’s owners are exploring the possible sale of the iconic English football club, according to The Athletic and The New York Times. Mo Salah celebrates scoring his second goal in Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. “FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool,” added the statement. “FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club. This season, Liverpool is well off the pace in the Premier League title race and will face Real Madrid in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

☆ Queiroz's return gives Iran hope of World Cup history
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

HONG KONG, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Carlos Queiroz's return as Iran coach threatened to throw the country's preparations for a third straight World Cup appearance into turmoil but instead the re-hiring of the Portuguese has galvanised an ageing squad for one last crack at history. In five previous World Cup campaigns, Iran have never progressed beyond the group phase but after being drawn in a group alongside England, Wales and the United States hopes are growing that their disappointing record might be broken. For their September friendlies against Uruguay and Senegal, Queiroz picked 16 of the 23-man squad he selected for the finals in Russia in 2018, when Iran recorded their best-ever result at a World Cup with four points from three games. The meetings with England and the United States will be politically charged domestically while protests over women's rights in Iran have had a psychological impact on a squad that was fractured by the controversy over Queiroz's re-hiring. Former Brighton & Hove Albion winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh will also be keen to prove English football fans did not see the best of his talents during his three-season stint in the Premier League as Iran look to break new ground at the World Cup.

☆ Madley to referee Premier League game four years after sacking
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 26 (Reuters) - Bobby Madley will referee a Premier League match for the first time in four years on Saturday after losing his job over a controversial video in 2018. Madley was sacked by the refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after sending a video mocking a disabled person to a friend. He returned to English football in 2020, taking charge of matches at League One and League Two level, and has officiated 10 games in the Championship this season. The 37-year-old is set to take charge of Brentford's home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to a list of officials for weekend fixtures on the Premier League's website. Madley's brother Andy, who is also a referee, will take charge of Brighton & Hove Albion's home game against Chelsea on the same day.

CNN —For many, the name Patrick Vieira brings to mind one of the most dominant midfielders in English Premier League history. To the younger generation, he is now one of the up-and-coming modern managers emerging in the Premier League. But Vieira wants to remind the world that he was born in Senegal and is proud to be African. “The diversity of our French and French national team was a success as well as winning the World Cup.”Patrick Vieira holds aloft the Premier League trophy after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City in 2004. The former Arsenal captain is currently the only manager from an ethnic minority in the Premier League and only the 10th Black manager since the competition’s inception in 1992.

☆ Arrests made in England and Wales in 2021-22 highest in eight seasons
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The 2021-2022 season was the first full season where all scheduled matches were played at full spectator capacity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The arrests made last season were around 59% higher than those in the 2018-2019 season, which was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterThe most common offence types were public disorder (36%) and violent disorder (20%). The number of matches with reported incidents last season increased by 60% (+602 matches) compared with 1,007 matches in 2018-19. The Premier League announced on Wednesday that supporters of teams who take part in anti-social and criminal behaviour at stadiums will receive automatic club bans with a minimum term of one year.

The annual energy price increase in Germany in August on average was 139%, latest producer price data showed this week. In a BDI survey of 593 businesses, more than a third said their existence was threatened by higher energy prices, up from 23% in February. Industry group VKU has also joined the chorus of concern, warning that local utilities faced insolvency due to high energy prices and possible defaults from their customers. read moreThe head of the German Chemicals Industry Association VCI on Tuesday said rising energy prices were a "huge alarm call" for Germany as a place to do business. He welcomed Buschmann's initiative to relax insolvency rules but added that suspending them outright again would be a "serious mistake".

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