Latest draft of treaty gives more power to Commission

Officials continue talks on inter-governmental treaty.

Officials from European Union member states are today discussing the text of an inter-governmental treaty aimed at restoring confidence in the eurozone.

The latest draft of the treaty text, drawn up after a meeting on 20 December, differs significantly from the initial text drafted by legal advisors working for Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council.

It gives greater power to the European Commission, stipulates the need for a greater number of eurozone countries to ratify the treaty and foresees the new rules being folded into the EU treaties within five years – something that both the Commission and MEPs have lobbied for.

Some of the changed wording is likely to anger the United Kingdom, which blocked EU treaty change at a summit in December, because it now includes references to the internal market – something the UK is determined to avoid.

The new text refers to “enhanced governance” that will “foster fiscal discipline and deeper integration in the internal market as well as stronger growth, enhanced competitiveness and social cohesion”.

The latest draft also gives greater powers to the Commission to take member states that breach the new fiscal rules to court, another feature that the UK opposes.

The initial draft suggested that member states would be able to take each other to court, as the agreement was outside the EU treaties.

However, the new draft says: “The European Commission may, on behalf of contracting parties, bring an action for an alleged infringement…before the Court of Justice of the European Union.”

According to the latest draft, 15 eurozone member states, rather than the nine that had initially been suggested, will have to ratify the treaty before it is implemented. As before, it would only apply to member states once they had ratified it.

The treaty, agreed in principle at the European Council on 8-9 December, is aimed at reinforcing fiscal and budgetary discipline.

As well as officials from member states, three MEPs and officials from the Commission are taking part in the discussions. Another draft of the treaty wording is expected after today’s meeting.

According to the latest draft, what was called an ‘international agreement on a reinforced economic union’ is now officially an international ‘treaty’.

It is still uncertain how many non-eurozone countries will sign up to the new treaty.

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Angry reaction to Greek referendum plan

Greek prime minister’s decision prompts a party rebellion and creates anxiety on the markets.

Papandreou calls referendum on rescue deal

George Papandreou, the beleaguered prime minister of Greece, is facing a backlash at home and abroad against his plan to hold a referendum on a rescue agreement reached by eurozone leaders at a summit in Brussels last Thursday (27 October).

Before going to the public, Papandreou will ask Greek lawmakers to back him in a vote of confidence on Friday (4 November).

However, his government’s chances of survival narrowed further today, with the defection of one member of his centre-left party, Pasok.

The defection reduces Pasok’s majority in the 300-member parliament to just two votes.

The uncertainty was compounded further when six Pasok parliamentarians today called on Papandreou to resign.

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The referendum is expected to take place in January, which means that uncertainty about last week’s eurozone deal – which included a 50% debt cut for Greece – will continue for many more weeks. The uncertainty will test the robustness of other elements of last week’s agreement, especially the plan to build ‘firewalls’ to contain the fallout from Greece for other eurozone countries.

Many commentators have raised the spectre of a Greek default following the announcement, and financial markets across the world have dropped sharply in value (see panel).

Leaders of the EU’s institutions have so far restricted their public comments, but concern was evident in comments by several leading EU politicians.

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Markets plunge on Greek referendum news

World markets are down sharply on news about the Greek referendum plans.

London’s FTSE 100 is down 3.42%, Germany’s DAX 5.72% and France’s CAC 40 5.28%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed 2.49% down and Tokyo’s Nikkei Average 1.7%.

The euro and commodity prices also dipped following last night’s announcement.

Banking shares were down sharply, amid fears about the impact of further economic problems on the balance-sheets of creditors. Société Générale dropped 14%, BNP Paribas 9% and Deutsche Bank 9%.

A statement from Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, included just a few terse sentences about the referendum, after a lengthy rundown of the measures agreed last week.

“We take note of the intention of the Greek authorities to hold a referendum,” Van Rompuy and Barroso said. “We are convinced that this agreement is the best for Greece. We fully trust that Greece will honour the commitments undertaken in relation to the euro area and the international community.”

The two also said that they talked to Papandreou by phone today and are in contact with other eurozone leaders.

Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg’s prime minister and the chairman of the meetings of the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers, said: “The Greek prime minister has taken this decision without talking it through with his European colleagues. It is something that brings a great nervousness, that adds great insecurity to already great insecurity and therefore we need to see calmly how we will deal with this.”

In Germany, Rainer Brüderle, the parliamentary leader of the Free Democrats, the junior partners in the ruling coalition, called the referendum plan “strange” and suggested that the likelihood of a Greek default on its debt had now increased. “This sounds to me like someone is trying to wriggle out of what one has agreed to,” Brüderle said.

Alexander Stubb, Finland’s minister for Europe, said that the referendum will be about whether Greece should remain in the eurozone. “The situation is so tense that it would in principle be a vote on euro membership,” Stubb said.

Carl Bildt, Sweden’s foreign minister, said: “I truly fail to understand what Greece intends to have a referendum about. Are there any real options?”

EU approves Russia’s WTO membership

Move follows agreement to protect EU car industry, but Georgia still refuses to back WTO bid.

The European Commission and Russia today (21 October) resolved the last remaining issues holding up the EU’s approval of Russia’s membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“We have struck a deal on the final outstanding bilateral issues, leaving the way open for Russia to join the WTO by the end of this year,” said Karel De Gucht, the European commissioner for trade. “This understanding will help to protect EU jobs in the car and car components’ industry from moving to Russia,” he said.

However, Georgia – a member of the WTO – has said that it will block Russia’s bid to join the trade body.

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“There is now very little time left to reach a bilateral agreement between Georgia and Russia. I call on both parties to continue their efforts to find a solution in a spirit of compromise,” De Gucht said.

Among the bilateral issues resolved today were Russia’s investment regime for car manufacturing; flying rights over Siberia; wood export quotas; and rules on the export of EU foodstuffs to Russia.

Russia hopes that WTO trade ministers will approve its membership at their next conference, in Geneva in December. It began negotiating joining the WTO in the early 1990s.

No China summit, but the reel work continues

Summit cancelled but film festival goes ahead.

The meeting scheduled for this week between the EU and China became a casualty of the debt crisis – postponed because of the EU and eurozone’s self-perpetuating emergency summits. 

There was a sense of inevitability about the postponement – the kind of thing that tests the resilience of those protocol specialists who book the presidential suites, roll out the red carpets and rev up the limousines. The EU had started off with a gap of a week between a European Council scheduled for 17 October and an EU-China meeting in Tianjin, north-east China, on 26 October. But first the Council was moved to 23 October; then, when France and Germany fell out over the bail-out fund, an extra summit was added for 26 October. In politically incorrect terms, this was a form of Chinese water-torture for diary-planners, who have not yet found a replacement date.

Although Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, were detained in Brussels, and Karel De Gucht, the commissioner for trade, stayed at home, Catherine Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy chief, went to China anyway (24-26 October).

So too did Androulla Vassiliou, the European commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and sport (24-27 October). Among her tasks was to open an EU film festival – 26 European films being screened in Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen.

The titles include a Bulgarian film “Svetat e golyam i spasenie debne otvsyakade” (The world is big and salvation lurks around the corner) and a Cypriot film “Apo thavma” (By miracle).

Entre Nous suspects that those are none-too-subtle pleas for China to help out with the eurozone debt crisis, a message that will be undermined by the Estonian contribution: “Kormoranid ehk nahkpükse ei pesta.” “Farts of fury” is its English title, though Chinese students of Estonian will know that a more direct translation is “cormorants do not wash their leather pants”.

The Atlanta United star suffered a torn ACL in his side’s MLS season-opener

Josef Martinez announced on Wednesday that he has undergone successful surgery after tearing his ACL during Atlanta United’s season-opener against Nashville SC.

On Wednesday, Martinez underwent the operation to repair that torn ligament under the care of Dr. Volker Musahl and Dr. Freddie Fu, the latter of whom was credited as the man responsible with saving Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s career after a similar injury suffered while the Swedish star was with Manchester United.

Martinez, the 2018 MLS MVP, was already in solid form to start the season, having bagged two goals in a two-legged victory over Honduran club Motagua in the opening round of the Concacaf Champions League before suffering the injury in Atlanta’s 2-1 win over Nashville in the season-opening match.

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The Venezuelan forward is expected to miss most of, if not all of, the MLS season, although the league’s suspension due to the coronavirus could result in a late-season return for the forward.

Until then, though, he’ll have a long road back as he thanked doctors, teammates and fans in the aftermath of his surgery.

The former Chelsea midfielder believes it is too early to pass judgement on the Portuguese in what is proving to be a testing spell in north London

Jose Mourinho cannot be expected to turn Tottenham’s “cruise ship” around “on a sixpence”, says Joe Cole, with patience being urged in north London with the former Chelsea boss.

A man who has enjoyed considerable success on a Premier League stage in the past was snapped up by Spurs when the decision was taken to part with Mauricio Pochettino.

Mourinho was considered to be the perfect fit for a club that has been starved of tangible success for more than a decade.

The Portuguese has, however, found out the hard way that there are no quick fixes to be found at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Questions are now being asked of whether he has lost his touch, with silverware bids ended before football shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cole – who savoured Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs under Mourinho at Chelsea – believes it is too early to be passing judgement on a proven winner.

He believes there is a big job to be overseen at Spurs, with time required in order to get everybody moving in the right direction once more.

The ex-England international told PA Sport: “Jose has gone into a difficult situation.

“In the media in particular there is a lot of anti-Jose, people who are very quick to jump on Jose’s back, especially for someone who has been as successful as him.

“You need to look at the job in perspective, I think it had run its course under Pochettino. I think the team wasn’t playing well, it needed a change.

“But it’s like turning a cruise ship, you can’t just turn it on a sixpence, it takes time. He needs time, he needs to bring the right players in.

“I think the relationship with Daniel Levy is important, if Levy gets him the players he wants and gives him time I think it will be a success for him.

“It’s just how every time Spurs lose a game… Spurs were losing games under Pochettino, players weren’t playing well.

“I think some of the players may have run their course at Tottenham. They are all great players but sometimes your time is up. They are in a rebuild situation.”

Mourinho has vowed to maintain his record of delivering trophies whether he has been, but has claimed that there will be no elaborate overhaul of his squad when the next transfer window opens.

The Nigerian has opened up on his previous experience of the Theatre of Dreams as both a supporter and an opposition player

Odion Ighalo has recalled how good he felt on his first outing at Old Trafford as a Watford player, and expressed his delight over being able to create even “greater moments” now he’s officially on Manchester United’s books.

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United reached an agreement to sign Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on the final day of the winter transfer window, in a move which raised more than a few eyebrows.

The ex-Nigeria international enjoyed a previous stint in the Premier League with Watford, but questions were asked over his fitness and quality due to the fact he had spent the last three years of his career in China.

Ighalo has since put any doubts over his ability to succeed at United to rest, hitting four goals in his first three starts for the Red Devils, including a sublime effort during a Europa League victory over LASK earlier this month.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defended United’s acquisition of the 30-year-old by pointing to his natural goalscoring abilities and impressive hold-up play, and he has rewarded the United manager’s faith by providing top-quality cover for Anthony Martial in a central striker role.

Ighalo has now explained the contrast in his emotions when stepping out on the Old Trafford pitch as both a Watford and United player, having been a lifelong fan of the club.

“When did I first set my eyes on it? It was in 2013 when I came to see the stadium, to visit it and go around, taking pictures outside the stadium,” he told United’s official website.

“The first time I played there was for Watford in 2016. Manchester United is a big club. When I saw that, I was amazed. I was outside the stadium and I took pictures.

“Then I played there with Watford, against United, and it made me even more happy. I came out of the stadium and stood looking at it.

“This is the stadium you have been watching back home when you were young and now you’re playing here for Watford against Man Utd. It feels good.

“And even now, playing for United? It’s making even greater moments for me.“

United remain one of the world’s biggest clubs and boast a huge following in Ighalo’s homeland, with the forward delighted to receive so much support from his fellow countrymen.

When asked how Nigerian fans tune in to watch the Red Devils on a weekly basis, Ighalo responded: “It’s good – you have to go to an event centre and pay to watch the games.

“Any time United were playing, I’d go with my siblings. You’d have to pay to watch the games and now people are watching me and United. It is a big fan-base and it is growing even much bigger.

“Everybody is sending me messages saying they can’t wait to see me and watch the United games. I am very happy about that.”

The former Nerazzurri star, who is now vice-president of the Serie A club, believes his fellow Argentine will agree to stay on at San Siro

Lautaro Martinez may be generating plenty of speculation regarding a move to Barcelona, but Javier Zanetti says the Argentine forward is “happy with Inter” and has a long-term future in Italy.

Transfer talk is building around the talented 22-year-old as he continues to thrive on a European stage.

The 2018-19 campaign was an adjustment one for Lautaro, as he settled into new surroundings at San Siro on the back of a high-profile switch from Racing Club.

He has burst into life in 2019-20, with 16 goals recorded through 31 appearances for Inter.

It is reported that he has a €111 million (£93m/$120m) release clause in his contract, with Liga giants Barca among those said to be prepared to pay that price for such a hot prospect.

Those at Inter are aware of the speculation, but they remain confident that a prized asset can be persuaded to stay put.

Zanetti, who is now vice-president of the Serie A heavyweights, told Radio Continental of a fellow countryman: “We are happy with Lautaro and Lautaro is happy with Inter.

“What he is doing here with us is fantastic.

“He also demonstrates that with the national side in Argentina. I see him continuing in Italian football.

“He is the joy of the last generation of Argentine footballers. He is only 22 years old and has a great future ahead of him.”

Zanetti’s comments echo those which have come out of Milan on a regular basis over recent weeks.

Inter boss Antonio Conte believes Lautaro is fully committed to the title-chasing squad that he has pieced together, saying: “The boy is fully concentrated.

“He is doing well and must continue in this way. 

“He has grown a lot over the last year and is only 22. He is committed and I am happy to have him available.”

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has also sought to bring the unwelcome exit rumours to a close by pointing out that Lautaro would have to request a move in order for any offers to be considered.

He told Sky Sport Italia: “Rumours regarding Lautaro? He is very young and improving. He is only interested in wearing the glorious shirt of Inter.

“This club has nothing to envy others of. Players can leave only if they ask to leave.”

The global pandemic has stopped leagues all around the world and the Super League outfit have taken drastic steps to stem the financial bleeding

Former Arsenal duo Johan Djourou and Alexandre Song are among nine players sacked by Swiss club FC Sion for refusing to take an unemployment settlement in light of the coronavirus.

The entire squad was contacted on social messaging service WhatsApp by president Christian Constantin on Tuesday. Constantin’s message asked the players to take a “technical unemployment” deal which would see them receive a payment of around 9600 Swiss francs – an amount that is equivalent to 80% of the legal monthly salary in Switzerland.

The players were given until noon on Wednesday to respond and, although many of them refused or failed to reply, nine were subsequently let go – many of them on contracts that were due to expire at the end of June.

As well as Song and Djourou – who played for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger – Christian Zock, Pajtim Kasami, Ermir Lenjani, Xavier Kouassi, Birama Ndoye, Mikael Facchinetti and Seydou Doumbia now find themselves dismissed without notice and without a club as world football has ground to a halt in the face of the pandemic.

The Swiss Players Union, the SAFP, has protested the dismissals, calling them unfair, while the players are reported to be seeking legal advice.

The SAFP wrote: “You have terminated the employment contracts of the players without notice by letter dated 18 March 2020. We hereby expressly protest against this termination without notice.”

The letter, issued to the Swiss club, adds: “We therefore expect you to withdraw these abusive terminations immediately and to enter into discussions on possible alternatives.”

In neighbouring Germany, Borussia Monchengladbach players agreed to take a reduction in wages in order to ensure the club could continue paying non-playing staff.

French Ligue 1 club Amiens have asked their players to consider similar measures.

In England, meanwhile,  Manchester United made a pledge to their casual staff that their wages would be paid, even if the Premier League season were to be cancelled or played out behind closed doors.

Either scenario would see a drastic reduction in the incomes of part-time matchday and non-matchday staff at Old Trafford.

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Chelsea have offered their hotel to health service staff in England, as have hotels owned by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.

Lower league clubs in the UK are already suffering amid the coronavirus outbreak, with Barnet laying off all non-playing staff earlier this week.

Sion are the first club in one of Europe’s top divisions to have released playing staff though it would appear that Thursday’s announcement will not be the end of the matter.

While coronavirus disrupts sport across the globe, it is business as usual in the Belarusian Premier League

Football Federation of Belarus (BFF) chairman Vladimir Bazanov said there is no reason to panic after the Belarusian Premier League season kicked off with fans, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 has disrupted sport across the globe, with the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga & Ligue 1 postponed, while Euro 2020 and Copa America 2020 have been pushed back a year.

Australia’s A-League continues to take place, but behind closed doors amid the coronavirus emergency, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives globally.

However, it is business as usual in Belarus – where the season started on Thursday, with fans in attendance as BATE lost 3-1 to Energetyk-Bgu and Torpedo Belaz defeated Shakhtyor 1-0.

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With 51 reported cases and no deaths as of Thursday in Belarus, a defiant Bazanov said: “For what reason should we not start it? Is a state of emergency declared in our country?

“There is no critical situation. So we decided that we are starting the championship in a timely manner. Today.”

Bazanov added: “Many matches in Europe have been played without spectators. But so many fans gather around the stadium that it makes no sense to close off the game.”

“For God’s sake,” he continued when pressed on neighbouring countries suspending leagues. “We have no prerequisites for this yet…We have no panic. The situation in the country is not such that we need to stop everything. Why escalate the situation?”

On the same day the Belarusian Premier League kicked off, the Premier League in the United Kingdom decided to further suspend the competition until April 30. 

“The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19,” a statement from the Football Association read. 

“We’re united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019-20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

“We’ve collectively supported UEFA in postponing Euro 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

“The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that “the season shall terminate no later than June 1” and “each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season”.

“However, our Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019-20 season in relation to professional football. Additionally, we’ve collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than Thursday, April 30.”