Big week for
West Ham’s rebrand – delivered this summer as part of “the most successful stadium migration in history”. Karren Brady told an industry event on 5 October how the image values upgrade “has really had a dynamic impact on the things we can do”.
• Her measure of success: “We’re ranked 15th in terms of brand values. We were 115th when I joined.” Another measure: E20 Stadium officials confirming they’re “actively in the market for a naming rights partner” after Mahindra Group withdrew.
Plus: due an edit
West Ham’s film of the move, as trailed by Brady at the same industry event. “We’re making a movie called Iron Men. It’s about the transition of the values and the history of West Ham supporters from the Boleyn to the London Stadium.”
Most upbeat
Uefa’s internal inquiry team – investigating the €4m loan Uefa gave Slovenia’s FA in 2015 to invest in a betting firm. Their findings: “The loan was entirely in accordance with standard Uefa procedures.” President Aleksander Ceferin – in charge of Slovenia’s FA at the time – says allegations around the loan were “mosquito bites” put about to hurt him. “The loan was as clean as possible.”
Also last week from the football family
1) Spain’s FA resisting claims that they spent public money intended for 2010 Haiti earthquake aid on FA expenses instead. Government officials allege €176,000 of the €219,500 grant for a football school was “diverted”; sports minister Miguel Cardenal: “We have asked them to return it. The federation does not want to.”
2) Former Peru FA head Manuel Burga facing extradition to the US this week on racketeering charges, which he denies. Among his best moments: 2011 – giving his re-election victory speech while a colleague’s phone played The Godfather theme in the background; and 2010 - laying into six Peru players who hired prostitutes at a casino after a defeat: “There’s so much hypocrisy from these players. The saying is true: a tree born crooked will never grow straight.”
And 3) Bolivia FA secretary Walter Torrico resigning after being placed under house arrest for “pretending to be a lawyer”. Officials say Torrico posed as an attorney “without any qualifications”; Torrico – also accused of “laundering illicit profits” – denies wrongdoing.
• Torrico set out his vision for a clean-up last year after seeing FA president Carlos Chavez remanded in custody on organised crime charges, which he denies. “Our game is in ashes, so it’s time to set a new course, standing up for the common good.”
Other news: best timing
Coventry City - still deflecting fan protests against owners Sisu, and backing the League’s “Enjoy the Match” campaign with this message: “Here at Coventry City we want our fans to have the best possible experience on a matchday, and leave smiling, no matter the result.”
Kicking it out
Spain: Castilla-La Mancha’s FA, assessing whether a player who called a black CD Bargas opponent a “shit monkey” was being racist: “The phrase is, in the literal sense, unrelated to racism or xenophobia … Therefore it cannot be classed as intended to disparage or demean a particular ethnic group.” Bargas – who allege the insult came with “accompanying monkey gestures” - plan to appeal.
Best UKIP moment
Argentina: Velez Sarsfield president Raúl Gamez denying he punched FA vice-president Jorge Medin in a row over TV cash while shouting “I’ll break your head, you don’t fuck with Velez”: “Yes I barged into his office, I was emotional - but it was just a debate. Let’s move on.”
Manager news: last week’s movers
• 9 Oct: Grimsby’s Paul Hurst shrugs off links with Shrewsbury: “I know nothing about those links. I’m manager of Grimsby Town, trying to do the best I can here. I can assure you, I’m not thinking of anything other than Grimsby Town.” 24 Oct: Joins Shrewsbury.
• 11 Oct: MK Dons manager Karl Robinson reflects on talks with owner Pete Winkleman, 12 days before being sacked. “We had a meeting yesterday about what we’re going to do in January and how exciting that can be moving forward. The chairman was fantastic... he knows the results will turn.”
• 29 Sept: Wolves director Jeff Shi on coach Walter Zenga: “Walter is very passionate. Walter shows the passion to the fans and they love him. They also write a song for him! In this area he did something out of my expectation.” 25 Oct: Sacks him.
• And a non-mover – 12 Oct: Egypt’s Zamalek SC coach Moamen Soliman previews the Caf Champions League final: “If we lose this I’ll resign. And I’ll do it by phone in order not to embarrass anyone.” 23 Oct: Loses it 3-1. “Now we fight for the title.”
Most relaxed
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, headbutting his press conference desk four times after being asked about the atmosphere. “Who sent you? Tell me who sent you. Why are you here? What do you mean? You want to ask the same old stuff? Mamma mia. Incredible scenes.”
Faster fingers
@halesowentownfc’s live coverage midweek: “54mins 0-0 Delaney shoots wife after Anderson feeds him the ball #HALvTAM.”
Plus: most maligned
Argentina: Atlético Patronato defender Jonathan Ferrari, upset over claims he hosted an “excessive orgy” for team-mates on his balcony, with police breaking it up at 6am. “It’s lies. People look at my past and think I’m still the same. Sure, the police shouted at us - but they didn’t come in.”
