FIFA Asks Russia to Clarify Anti-Gay Law; UEFA Owners Heading Out?

FIFA Seeks Clarification from Russia

FIFA has asked Russia, the 2018 World Cup host, for "clarification and more details" on its new anti-gay law, according to an Associated Press report. Legislation was passed in June that made "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors" unlawful. The move prompted a worldwide outcry, and the IOC has already made overtures to ensure its athletes won’t be affected during the February Winter Olympics in Sochi.

"Russia has committed to provide all visitors and fans with a warm welcome and ensure their safety," FIFA told AP in a statement. World football's governing body added that its statutes mandate "zero tolerance against discrimination."

UEFA Regulations Could Lead to Owner Exodus

The Financial Fair Play laws introduced by UEFA this season are going to shake up how teams do business, according to the Daily Telegraph. Starting this season, UEFA will keep a close eye on teams’ finances to ensure that creditors receive the money they deserve on time. Penalties for clubs not observing these new regulations include points deductions and player bans.

According to a survey from BDP LLP, 28 percent of Championship club owners and 36 percent of League One club owners are considering at least a partial exit in the next 18 months. "Intense competition for promotion places has pushed the majority of Championship and League One clubs into the red,"Trevor Birch of BDO LLP told the Telegraph. "[This has] created a dependency on principal shareholders bankrolling trading shortfalls."

Germany Will Wait for Goal Line Technology

An erroneous call during Saturday’s Bundesliga action will not spur the league to adopt goal line technology, according to an AP report. An apparent goal was wiped away for Hoffenheim in their 2-2 draw with Nuremberg, and referee Thorsten Kinhoefer admitted a mistake was made after looking at replays. The German Football League, however, will stick with its choice to delay testing until at least July 2015, claiming FIFA’s accepted margin for error of three centimetres is too great at this time.

News Corp Buys EPL Online Rights

News Corp acquired Asian online and mobile rights to highlights from the English Premier League as part of a deal that will allow fans to watch highlights from over 1,600 matches through a forthcoming platform. According to Asia Media Journal, the deal applies in Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and allows the EPL to join a number of the world’s major leagues in the News Corp stable. Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Major League Soccer, and numerous others are covered by separate agreement. News Corp holds the EPL rights for three years and for two years in the additional leagues.

Written By Nick Devlin

For general comments or questions,click here.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics isAroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.