
“And in the next round, Mark Robins. Football has found itself assailed in recent years by states, oligarchs and private equity, the concentration of resources at a handful of clubs in a tiny number of western European countries destroying the balance that once sustained it, the potential of its soft power meaning that it has been preyed upon by regimes desperate to launder their image and secure influence. But, despite all that, the sport has retained its mischievous sense of humour. …”
Guardian – Jonathan Wilson
The Athletic: Angry Klopp, a ‘dumb’ question and when managers lose their cool (Video)
Daily Archives: March 20, 2024
Ex-La Liga ref Iturralde: ‘Nobody in football really wants justice, they all want benefits’

“Iturralde was a referee for 31 years, working in La Liga from 1995 until his retirement in 2012. Now a regular on Carrusel Deportivo, Spain’s most popular football radio show, he is an outspoken defender of his former colleagues. Match officials here have a challenging role at present, with faith in Spanish refereeing arguably at an all-time low. …”
The Athletic
Nottingham Forest’s points deduction explained and what it means for Everton and Man City

“For the second time this Premier League season, a points deduction for breaching its profit and sustainability rules (PSR) has dragged a club down the table and into the relegation zone. First it was Everton, whose initial 10-point penalty last November was recently reduced to six on appeal, and now it is Nottingham Forest. A four-point deduction, confirmed by the Premier League on Monday has pushed Nuno Espirito Santo’s side from 17th to 18th, suddenly a point adrift of safety. Here, The Athletic analyses the 51-page verdict of an independent commission that has heightened Forest’s fears of relegation to the Championship after two seasons back in the domestic elite. …”
The Athletic
