By Alex Kotler

US stays goo-goo over Gulati

Football Partnerships is pleased to congratulate Sunil Gulati on his re-election to another four-year term as president of the US Soccer Federation. Approved unanimously at the governing body’s annual general meeting, Mr. Gulati is an established multi-tasker who wears many hats, also including that of board member to the US Bid Committee for the 2018/2022 campaign to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States, member of Columbia University’s economics department and soccer dad.

Some of us have our hands full taking out the rubbish and talking on the telephone.

Taking the game out of the show

Chinese CCTV 5 channel, owner of 85% of the nation’s sports television market, abruptly suspended the broadcast of the East Asian Championship tie between China and Japan last Saturday evening. Instead of the match again China’s fierce rival, viewers were treated to European gameshow Jeux Sans Frontier.

While no comment, nor recognition of the 0-0 result, has yet been offered by CCTV 5, it is suggested that this is part consequence of accusations against several Chinese soccer officials for match-fixing.

It appears that the solution is to punish fans for the alleged wrongdoings of members of the establishment. Fair or foul?

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Where the knowledge flows like wine

According to the Belfast Telegraph, Burnley FC has unveiled a plan to redevelop its Turf Moor ground to include the nation’s first ‘football university’.

Referencing the club’s increased global visibility, courtesy of its current status as an English Premier League team, Clarets chief executive Paul Fletcher said: “The trick now is getting people here. The university would do that and allow students from across the world to learn about every facet of the business side of the biggest sports industry in the world.”

Regardless of where Burnley FC is positioned in English football this time next year, it’s safe to say that its executives have much homework and study ahead of them.

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First time deal for region and category

FIFA have announced the signing of a sponsorship deal with Yingli Green Energy of China, the first time for a renewable energy company - and one from China - to support the World Cup.

As part of the agreement, Yingli will provide solar panels to assist with FIFA’s ‘Green Goal’ in South Africa. On Yingli’s part, the company will receive ticket, media and perimeter-board advertising rights and will get a chance to display and demonstrate its products in FIFA fan zones during the competition.

The best question is: Will the deal, like the energy, be renewable?

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Three’s Four’s a charm

English Premier League club Portsmouth FC have made headlines again, with Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai taking control to become the fourth owner of the club this season.

As quoted by Kevin McCullagh in Sport Business, Chainrai has “zero interest in buying Portsmouth” and has only acted to confiscate the shares of the previous owners. Wallowing at the bottom of the Premier League table, the club look likely to be relegated regardless of whether its enters administration.

Any guesses as to how long this scenario will last?