Latest editorial
Players stress importance of unity and describe how war affects their preparations for the tournament
Free Lions fan group accuses governing body of prioritising profit over supporter safety
There was only one topic I was going to talk about this week. It’s not Wayne Rooney’s dive against Preston or Arrigo Sacchi’s “I’m not a racist but...” comment (although that should not be ignored).
It is Sky Sports’ and BT Sports’ multi-billion deal with the Premier League. You can argue with the exact figures and say it is absurd to spend that much money on adults kicking a pigskin about but that’s how much the league sold itself for. There is nothing wrong with taking an absolute premium for your product.
However, there is something wrong with clubs reinvesting the money back into the wrong areas. They will try to spin it like the money will be going to a few grassroots projects and into upgrading a few toilets but the likelihood is that the teams will spend the money on transfers and paying agents.
With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
