Real Madrid sources denied a report that Cristiano Ronaldo's buyout clause has been lowered to €120M ($139M) and claimed that it remains €1B ($1.16B). OK Diario reported the clause was dropped to €120M, "but that there were two clubs that would be exceptions to this lowered buyout fee: Barcelona and Paris St. Germain" (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 6/28).
La Liga side Sevilla will agree to play a one-game Supercopa against Barcelona, "but only if it is held at the club's home stadium," club sources said. Barcelona rejected playing the game over two legs, on Aug. 5 and Aug. 12, due to its preseason schedule. The game "will now take place in one leg on Aug. 12, but only with Sevilla's approval" (EFE, 6/28).
Spanish football club Extremadura claimed it was the victim of a match-fixing attempt before its game against Cartagena for promotion to the Spanish second division. Extremadura said in a statement that it informed La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) immediately and added that "it will not comment further to avoid damaging the investigation of the case" (AS, 6/27).
UEFA and the Football Federation of Belarus (BFF) launched a joint project to develop the country's grassroots football and increase participation. The one-year project, which involves nine clubs, will serve as a pilot scheme for a club development project which UEFA hopes will inspire other countries in Eastern Europe. The clubs from four regions in Belarus will be helped in developing grassroots football through education and training (UEFA).
Footballers up to the age of 21 can play for Scottish Premiership colt teams in this season's Scottish Challenge Cup. Previously, only U20 players could play for the colt teams. The Scottish Professional Football League also announced there will be "no extra-time" before the semifinal stage (BBC, 6/27).
