On the face of it, we are in for one of the most predictable
seasons ever. Last year, for the fi rst time in all fi ve major
European leagues, the champions retained their titles
- and few would bet against Manchester City, Bayern
Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Barcelona
celebrating again in nine months’ time.
Yet for all the money that has distorted European
club football in recent years, the
game’s greatest attraction remains
its unpredictability and capacity
for surprise.
Those surprises may well happen
further down the football food chain
over the coming months, but the
game will be richer and more
entertaining for them.
We always try to reach the parts
of the footballing world that Google
can’t reach. This month, we visit San Marino, the
lowest-ranked country in Europe (page 22), while Mark
Gleeson’s report from the Africa Cup of Nations (page 52)
concludes our coverage of a hectic international summer.
Next month, we will preview
the Champions League and
Europa League, and review
all the major deals of the
transfer window.
See you then.
Algeria win Africa Cup of Nations ................................................................................ p
Ronaldo rape charges dropped ..................................................................................... p
Women’s World Cup to expand to 32 teams ............................................................. p
Liga clubs outspend Premier League .......................................................................... p
Juventus favourites again to win Serie A ................................................................... p
Dortmund renew challenge to Bayern ....................................................................... p
De Rossi joins Boca Juniors ............................................................................................. p
Renard hired by Saudi Arabia ........................................................................................ p
Feyenoord to seek American investment .................................................................. p
Spain win Euro under-19 title ........................................................................................ p
USA
No charges
for Ronaldo
in rape case
Prosecutors in Las Vegas say that former World
Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo will not face
criminal charges over allegations he raped a
woman at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.
The allegations, which were first made in
2009, cannot be proven beyond a reasonable
doubt and no charges will be filed.
Clark County district attorney Steve Wolfson
said: “Based upon a review of the information
presented at this time, the allegations of sexual
assault against Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be
proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore,
no charges will be forthcoming.”
Representatives for the Juventus star have
denied the allegations since German publication
Der Spiegel first reported them in 2017.
Ronaldo’s accuser, Kathryn Mayorga, has filed
a separate civil lawsuit against the player in a US
federal court. She claims Ronaldo initially used
“fixers” to stop her pursuing criminal charges,
including paying her $375,000 to keep quiet.
Ronaldo’s lawyer Peter Christiansen said
that the Portuguese and Mayorga had sex
but it was consensual and claimed that she
came forward with her story in the wake of
the #MeToo movement.Gavin Hamilton, Editor
FIFA
Women’s World
Cup to expand
to 32 teams
Few would bet
against Man
City, Bayern,
PSG, Juventus
and Barcelona
celebrating
again in nine
months’ time
THE WORLD THIS MONTH
Women’s Final...USA (in white) and Holland