German Football Federation (DFB) President Wolfgang Niersbach said on Tuesday that winning the right to "host the European football championship" in '24 remains the DFB's "leading objective of the next decade." Germany has "already hosted two World Cups in 1974 and 2006 and the European Championship in 1988." Niersbach: "We're very optimistic because our situation is excellent regarding stadia. It's clear that for us there is no need for new constructions" (AFP, 12/16). ... UEFA has opened a "disciplinary case" against Scottish Premiership side Celtic after "apparent crowd disorder" at its Europa League match in Croatia. The club's fans "set off fireworks during a 4-3 loss at Dinamo Zagreb." UEFA said that its disciplinary panel "will judge the case" on Feb. 19 (BBC, 12/16). ... Ligue 1 side Lens President Gervais Martel presented before the French National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) on Tuesday "'two plans' for the bail-out" of the club. Martel said, “We presented our case and the items that were asked of us, including the payments. The €4 million ($5M) has arrived. Now the DNCG will meet to make a decision.” The club was placed under a recruiting ban by the DNCG in July due to a “lack of sufficient financial guarantees” (AFP, 12/16).
