The Lead

The merits of financial fair play have been debated since the concept was approved by UEFA in September 2009. The cynics will have you believe the legislation has no teeth, that the worst offenders will continue their ways with little fear of punishment. They have a point.  Creative accounting has aided some of Europe’s biggest clubs, allowing them to get around FFP’s central tenant – clubs cannot repeatedly spend more than their generated revenues.

But what if the clubs enforced the rules themselves – shaming the offenders in public. This morning Dutch club PSV Eindhoven did just that in a press release on their official website. Their target – Spanish club Sevilla:

“It has been already extremely strange that Spanish clubs can continue to buy players and pay high salaries whilst not paying their creditors because of an administrative Spanish bankruptcy (‘concurso’)”, said PSV Chief Executive Officer Mr. J. Sanders. Today Sevilla FC has added a new Spanish episode by simply refusing to pay a contractual obligation and also refusing mediation from the ECA (European Club Association). The procedures with the FIFA to settle disputes are lengthy and it looks as if some Spanish clubs, like Sevilla FC, are misusing the extra time to spend their money differently and maybe a future administrative bankruptcy protects them from paying the bills.

Sevilla wasn’t chosen at random. PSV’s beef centers around Arouna Koné. The Ivorian striker was sold to Sevillia for 12 million euros in August 2007. The contract stipulated that if Koné was sold to a third club or had his contract terminated, PSV would be entitled to a two million euro payment from Sevilla.  Last season Koné was sold to Levante and as of yet, no payment has been made.

Let’s hope this is the beginning of a new trend. I’d much rather hear of a club’s displeasure from the source itself and not dubious reports in the Sun. The Internet: shaming deadbeats since 1999.

Canada

Mount Royal Soccer looks at the Impact’s magic number for a playoff spot. 

Over at CSN, Steve Pandher previews tonight’s TFC-Whitecaps fixture at BMO.

England

Hulk denies talking to Chelsea – odd, because reports had this deal done weeks ago.

West Ham have their eyes on Andy Carroll.

Ashley defends John as the worst trial in history continues.

AVB admits Luka Modric won’t be with Spurs for long.

JDG2 heads to Swansea on a one year loan.

Spain

Jose Mourinho’s ban for poking Barca skipper Tito Vilanova in the eye has been lifted. 

Tim Vickery on South America’s plans to stop Spain in 2014.

Rossi, Nilmar, Zapata are among those who could go in a Villarreal fire sale. 

Italy

Juve’s new home kit looks familiar.

Kaka wants to go back to Italy.

Bits and Bobs

Al Wasl fired Maradona after the club didn’t win the league title.

South Sudan remains the only undefeated country in the world after a 2-2 draw with Uganda.

And that, give or take, is the story so far…