ManU reduced its touring staff by a third as part of a cost-cutting measure that will save the club £500,000 ($656,215). Last season, the club brought about 150 administrative staff to the U.S., but that number was reduced by "about 50" for this year. The "most surprising element of the cuts" comes in the online department. Despite launching a new website last month, only one staff writer is in the U.S. to cover the two-and-a-half week tour. ManU also saved cash by moving some staff to the four-star Beverly Hills Marriott hotel, rather than the five-star Beverly Wilshire (LONDON TIMES, 7/17).
The Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) prosecutor reportedly asked for Parma to be "deducted two points for last season," which would return the club to Serie B. The club was accused of attempting to fix a match against Spezia after Parma striker Emanuele Calaiò sent texts to some of the opposition players. Calaiò "urged Spezia not to try too hard, which he maintains was a joke," but Sky Italia reported the prosecutor asked for him to be suspended for four years (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 7/17).
Cycling teams BMC Racing and CCC Sprandi will merge for the '19 season, "saving" BMC Racing and keeping "star rider" and current Tour de France leader Greg Van Avermaet on the team. BMC Racing GM Jim Ochowicz and the team confirmed the deal on Monday, and Van Avermaet agreed to a three-year deal" Ochowicz said, "CCC will be our new sponsor starting in 2019. The name is still to be determined. We will have new goals, objectives and a new look" (CYCLING WEEKLY, 7/16).
