Confederation of African Football President Issa Hayatou "rejected any possibility of changing the timing of the African Nations Cup Finals despite the problems it poses for European-based players and their clubs." Hayatou said that the CAF would not "be dictated to by outside forces" with respect to the Nations Cup finals and that the schedule was determined by climatic conditions. The "timing of the tournament every two years in January draws criticism from European clubs," which lose their African players at a "crucial stage of the season" (REUTERS, 3/16).
Less than half of the tickets for this season's Europa League final in Stockholm "will to go the two teams taking part," according to figures published by UEFA on Wednesday. UEFA said in a statement that 48,000 tickets would be put on sale for the match at the Friends Arena on May 24, with up to 10,000 going to each finalist. A further 17,000 "will be sold to fans worldwide via UEFA's website." The remaining 11,000 will go to "the local organising committee, national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters, and to serve the corporate hospitality programme with competitive packages" (REUTERS, 3/15).
UFC President Dana White "will not stand in lightweight champion Conor McGregor's way" if the Irishman agrees to a "much-hyped crossover bout" with boxer Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather, a former five-division boxing champion who retired undefeated at 49-0 in '15, said that he was "coming out of retirement to take on" McGregor, who has been "challenging the American for months" (REUTERS, 3/16).
The UFC confirmed its "return to Scotland" on July 16, with Glasgow's SSE Hydro hosting the MMA promotion. The first show in '15 "was a roaring success and the company had been mooted for a return" since Fight Night 72: Bisping vs. Leites, when tickets sold out in 25 minutes (Scotland DAILY RECORD, 3/16).
