Deep pockets and a five-year lead time are keeping Qatar's dream of hosting the 2022 World Cup from "turning into a boycott-battered nightmare." As the diplomatic and commercial boycott approaches its third month, the "gas-rich nation" said that it is "casting further abroad and laying out more cash than planned to replace suppliers that live next door" (BLOOMBERG, 7/30).
Spain's High Court set bail on Monday for suspended Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Ángel María Villar at €300,000 ($354,900) following his arrest on July 18 on "allegations of collusion, embezzlement and falsifying documents." Villar, who will be "obliged to report weekly before the authorities," had his passport confiscated and must be at the court's disposition at all times, the High Court said. He was originally refused bail (REUTERS, 7/31).
ManU is expected to appeal against a two-match European ban handed down to Phil Jones for using "abusive language" toward UEFA anti-doping officials after the club's Europa League final win over Ajax. Jones "reacted angrily" toward a doping control officer, "aiming a volley of abuse in his direction because he wanted to take part in a team photograph commemorating the victims of the Manchester terrorist attack" (LONDON TIMES, 7/31).
The English Football League will support the trial of a reformed format for penalty kicks by introducing the "ABBA" penalty shootout formula into EFL competitions during the '17-18 season (EFL).
