FIFA has asked for an explanation from a member of its financial watchdog who was arrested on suspicion of corruption in the Cayman Islands.
Canover Watson, one of eight members of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee, has denied the charges but Domenico Scala, head of the committee, said he had asked Watson for details.
“In agreement with the Ethics Committee we have asked Watson whether he can share with the Audit and Compliance Committee any additional information,” said Scala in a statement.
“Once we have more information we will consider appropriate measures.”
Powell’s point
New Huddersfield manager Chris Powell wants football’s governing bodies to do more to create opportunities for black coaches.
The former Charlton boss is currently the only black manager in the top four divisions after replacing Mark Robins at the Terriers helm on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t look great, but all you can do is get your badges and become as qualified as you can,” Powell said.
“I can’t answer for people who run football clubs. You can only apply for jobs, then do them to the best of your ability. But the FA and Premier League and other bodies should try and agree to implement measures that will help.”
FA’s match-fixing watch list
A number of players suspected of a connection to match-fixing have been put on notice to report any suspicious activity to the English FA or face punishment.
The FA’s head of football inte-grity David Newton admitted yesterday that a number of players – possibly a dozen in lower-league football – are on a ‘watch list’ of individuals who cannot be prevented from playing but who are considered ‘persons of interest’ in the fight against fixing.
The FA reminded Conference clubs of their responsibilities to abide by its rules in March 2013 after suspicious betting patterns were reported to it, but no formal police investigation took place.
Juventus top Serie A rich list – study
A study conducted by La Gazzetta dello Sport found that Juventus will be the Serie A club with the biggest revenue for season 2014-15 with an expected €280m going into their coffers.
Juve could also add some €50m to their income if they progress to the group phase of the Champions League.
The findings show that Inter and Roma will see their income increase at the end of the season but Milan’s revenue is set to fall to €210m as they will not play in Europe.
Napoli will feel the effects of their exit from the Champions League and their revenue for the season was put at €120m.
Joining Real was right call – Kroos
Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has no regrets about joining Real Madrid from Bayern Munich this summer.
The 24-year-old left Bayern after rejecting their offer of a new contract beyond next summer, and he believes he made the right move.
“I’ve done everything right – I’m 100 per cent satisfied,” he said.
“In a worldwide standing, Real Madrid are a small step ahead of Bayern Munich.
“If I just think about my presentation at the Bernabeu, there were 20,000 fans there even though I had never played a single second for Real.
“In Spain, the football fans are more emotional about the game.”
Roy backs Becks for England role
Roy Hodgson insists the FA would jump at the chance to involve David Beckham in the England set-up.
The 39-year-old said last weekend he would be proud to have a role with England in future. And now Hodgson has given his approval for Beckham to assist the national team.
“Someone of David’s stature, with his qualities and personality, I’m 100 per cent certain if he can find the time to lend his presence to the FA they would be happy to find role for him,” Hodgson said.
Beckham’s only duties with the national team off the pitch were when he served as a ‘player liaison’ at the 2010 World Cup after injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Holders Nigeria shocked
Holders Nigeria were handed a shock defeat at the start of the group phase of African Nations Cup qualifying on Saturday.
Congo became the first country in 33 years to win a competitive match in Nigeria as they beat the Nations Cup champions 3-2 in Calabar with two goals from French-born striker Thievy Bifouma.
Nigeria, with a possible ban from FIFA hanging over them for government interference in football federation matters, were last beaten in a competitive home game when they lost 2-0 to Algeria in a World Cup qualifier in Lagos in 1981.