Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev said the costs for the 2018 World Cup will be more than $20B, "about double the amount Russia originally estimated it would spend" (AP, 6/13). ... La Liga side Villarreal has "reportedly filed a lawsuit" against
Argentine club River Plate over a €9M ($12M) purchase of percentage shares in a number of River Plate players (FOOTBALL ESPANA, 6/16). ... Hong Kong’s football authority "announced a slew of measures to punish and prevent racist behaviour at games, after Philippine football chiefs complained to FIFA about racist abuse of its players and fans."
The moves "could see home and away supporters being segregated and will impose bans on abusive fans" (AFP, 6/15). ... Canada's Quebec football federation "is ending its turban ban." The announcement "was made Saturday," a day after FIFA said that "wearing turbans on the field was acceptable" (AP, 6/15). ... The quantities that FC Barcelona invests in the sale of players "leaves a lot to be desired, especially the last two years." This past season, for example, "the club received nothing in this concept." Keita left with a free letter; "Afellay, Cuenca and Fontás were released and Keirrison and Henrique finished their contracts." Last year, "the club earned something." Maxwell and Jeffren both left for €4M ($5.3M) and Cáceres for €3M ($4M), for a total of €11M ($14.7M) (AS, 6/16).
FOOTBALL EVENTS: Organizers of a preseason friendly between Arsenal and Vietnam's national team "are facing a battle to ensure the match goes ahead after the owners of the Hanoi stadium involved hiked up their fees" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 6/14). ... The Indian government "has pledged its support" for the country’s bid to host the FIFA U17 World Cup in '17.
The backing of the government "means that the All India Football Federation can now proceed with its bid, safe in the knowledge that its tilt at the tournament will be supported by basic financial guarantees from the state" (SOCCEREX, 6/14). ... Major League Soccer side N.Y. Red Bulls "finally announced their long-rumored friendly against seven-time Ligue 1 winner, Olympique Lyonnais for July 16 at 8pm at Red Bull Arena" (N.Y. POST, 6/14).
