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Everton sale may be close

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William Hill Betting are reporting that a sale of Everton FC may be close to being agreed.   The relatively complex ownership structure of the club might mean that a sale could take some time to complete.

Arrest made in relation to Cobblers finances

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Reports are circulating that a man has been arrested and bailed in relation to an ongoing police investigation into the finances of Northampton Town FC.   BBC Northampton is claiming that the man arrested is former club chairman David Cardoza, but the police have refused to name the individual concerned.

Steep hill for Chelsea to climb

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Following their victory over Arsenal, Chelsea appear to be in recovery mode on the pitch.  However, although their captain John Terry thinks they can still make it to fourth place, it will require an outstanding win ratio.

Failure to gain a place in the Champions League (for the first time under Abramovich) could cost them £40m in sponsorship and gate money.

Premier League clubs to be given cash early

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Barclays Premier League clubs will receive their share of the record-breaking £5.14bn broadcast deal a month early to boost spending in the summer transfer window.  Clubs normally receive the majority of their annual portion of television rights at the start of the new season in August, but this year they will be handed the funds in July.

Can Charlton fans force owner out?

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Charlton fans, organised by the Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD), will be demonstrating again against the club’s Belgian owner and chief executive when they play Blackburn Rovers at The Valley tomorrow.   

Charlton fans have a history of fan activism.   They enabled the club to return to The Valley from ground shares, overcoming the opposition of the local council.   They entered candidates in the council elections under the banner of the Valley Party and ousted the chair of the planning committee.

What makes a good owner?

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This blog post considers what makes a good Premier League owner with particular reference to Randy Lerner at Aston Villa and Mike Ashley at Newcastle.  It notes that life at Aston Villa after Doug Ellis isn’t exactly what they expected it to be, but Lerner is not guilty of some sins committed by other owners.

Bolton Wanderers given a stay of execution

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Bolton Wanderers have been given a stay of execution until 22nd February following the hearing of a winding up petition brought by HMRC in the High Court.   They are hoping either to sell assets or to conclude a deal to sell the club.

There are hopes of selling a car park next to the Macron Stadium which would tide them over until next season.   Talks with prospective purchasers are also continuing.

European Super League is back on the agenda

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The idea of a European Super League, first raised in 1998, is back on the agenda.   Karl-Heinz Rummnenigge, the chief executive of Bayern Munich,  raised it at a forum at Bocconi University in Italy.

What he had in mind was a competition, either under the auspices of Uefa or privately run, with 20 or so top clubs from England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.   A few games might be played in the United States or Asia.

Financial fair play ban for Cardiff City

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A transfer embargo has been imposed on Cardiff City for breaching financial fair play rules.   The club is considering an appeal.  They join Bolton Wanderers, Fulham and Nottingham Forest who have been similarly penalised.

The Bluebirds’ finances have not been helped this season by many fans voting with their feet and choosing not to watch the team. Last weekend they crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of lower league Shrewsbury.