Spain's Social Security office "has been investigating La Liga for months" as it looks to determine whether the league committed labor fraud by using independent personnel to fill the role of "game director." Those workers "should have been considered employees based on the nature of their work and their relationship with La Liga," sources said. If it is ruled that La Liga broke the law, it could have to pay Spain's Social Security office up to €2M ($2.35M) (EL CONFIDENCIAL, 8/22).
Tottenham striker Harry Kane "has backed proposals to close the transfer window before the start of the season," saying the fact that it runs until Aug. 31 means some players "find it hard to concentrate." Premier League clubs "will vote on potential changes -- including closing it before the season -- on Sept. 7." Kane said, "When the season starts it would be good to just have everyone where they are and you could get on with the season" (ESPN.com, 8/22).
After one match at Wembley Stadium, Tottenham scrapped its "plan to play drum noises over the PA system in an effort to help create atmosphere inside the ground." Chelsea fans were "quick to notice" that the loudspeakers inside the national stadium were "pumping out drumming on occasion" during the first half of Sunday’s game (London NDEPENDENT, 8/23).
Premier League side Leicester City "condemned the anti-gay chanting" that took place against Brighton & Hove Albion. A Leicester City spokesperson said, "We are committed to creating a passionate, inclusive, welcoming environment at King Power Stadium, in which everyone is free to enjoy the matchday experience. ... While disappointed that such abuse took place during Saturday's match, we are satisfied that our stewards reacted swiftly and appropriately" (PA, 8/22).
A football fan in Austria "has been jailed for 18 months for performing a Nazi salute" during a match. The skinhead supporter of Rapid Vienna's "hardcore 'ultra' wing" was spotted doing the gesture during a match in Aug. '16 -- "flouting the country's tough laws against Nazi glorification." The 39-year-old, who "has not been named," was convicted and sentenced in Vienna on Monday (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES, 8/23).
