China's richest man, Wanda Group Chair Wang Jianlin, "warned the country's football clubs to spend their money more wisely" -- and that the nation's goal of becoming a football "superpower" will "require patience." Wang's comments appear to be "the latest signal that the country's wild spending on foreign football clubs and players is over." Wang said that "investment in youth development rather than foreigners was the way forward" (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 3/23).
Only seven Premier League clubs have "met a pledge" made in Aug. '15 to "provide a fully accessible toilet for disabled fans at their grounds within two years," according to learning disability charity Mencap. Known as Changing Places toilets, they are larger than standard accessible facilities. With 13 clubs in the top flight "still to install one," Mencap produced a Changing Places toilet league table, "which is topped by Liverpool with two registered facilities" (PA, 3/22).
The FA and German FA (DFB) signed a memorandum of understanding to "share ideas about coaching, youth development and administration." The MOU will last "for an initial two-year period" (PA, 3/22).
Man City Manager Pep Guardiola "banned the sale of chocolate" at the club's training ground and academy. The sugary snack is "no longer available to purchase at the Etihad Campus, meaning staff with a sweet tooth must go elsewhere." Fans can "rest assured" it will still be available to supporters in Etihad Stadium on matchdays (THE SUN, 3/23).