Category: Story

Major League Soccer Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis, 44, is to take over as chief executive of Arsenal at the start of 2009, the league announced Wednesday. “Ivan’s credentials are first class,” said Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood. “It is evident that he has a wealth of business acumen together with a broad knowledge of football that […]

One of the reasons that Arsenal has recruited Ivan Gazidis is his reputation for negotiating player contracts, writes Tom Dart. Gazidis, a "significant figure in bringing David Beckham to America," will work closely with manager Arsene Wenger on player recruitment and contract issues. "Given the obvious need for Arsenal to recruit wisely in the January […]

Argentine playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto will return for another season with the Columbus Crew and could be the team’s first designated player, reports Shawn Mitchell, quoting “a source close to both Schelotto and the team.” Mitchell writes that team owner Hunt Sports Group is willing to make the 35-year-old league MVP a designated player, “which […]

U.S. Soccer for the most part sticks to its manifesto as a non-profit body aimed at promoting soccer in the U.S. "in order to make it the pre-eminent sport recognized for excellence in participation, spectator appeal, international competition and gender equity," writes Mark Zeigler, quoting the USSF's federal tax return. But when it comes to […]

The Chicago Fire's umbrella fan body Section 8 Chicago is to file suit against the club next week after the two sides failed to resolve a dispute over income from ticket sales and a lost giant banner, reports Nick Firchau. "Unfortunately, it's entirely possible to love the team on the field and still be at […]

"There have been talks between Cologne and Bayern Munich as well as talks between [Lukas] Podolski and Cologne." FC Cologne manager Michael Meier confirms transfer negotiations that could take the Bayern Munich and German national team striker back to his previous club. Any such move would likely make Bayern even keener to sign U.S. and […]

"The entrepreneurial spirit has to be instilled into the local black population of South Africa. We still need support to change the mindset to tell people 'you are capable of performing in the marketplace.' I am in a minority — I don't let anything put me down." Namibian businesswoman Emiley Vollmer, head of Evo Media, […]

Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam has said the AFC Champions League will expand from 28 to 32 teams next year, with stricter criteria for participation in an effort to raise standards, and a massive boost in prize money. "In the future we hope the Asian league will be able to compete with Europe," […]

“I know we will organize it in the best way possible.” Argentine Football Association President Julio Grondona after Argentina was announced as host for the 2011 Copa America. He also said Mexico and Japan may be invited to bring the total number of participating countries to 14.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney apologized for diving against Villarreal in the Champions League Tuesday. But that won't disguise the myth that English players don't dive.