Van Bronckhorst returns to Rangers to take over where Gerrard left off
November 18 – Giovanni van Bronckhorst says he feels “so lucky” after being confirmed as the new manager of Rangers.
World Football
Canada freeze out Mexico to go top of Qatar 2022 qualifying
November 18 – Canada took control of the Concacaf World Cup final qualifying in Edmonton with a win over Mexico putting them the top of the group. It was a night of drama that also saw the USA drop points and to third in the table as Panama forced themselves back into contention.
No change in Kenya despite FIFA reporting ‘excellent’ meetings with government
November 18 – The Kenyan government says the disbanding of the country’s FA remains intact despite positive initial talks with FIFA over the crisis.
Marseilles escape with one match fan ban after pitch invasions and disorder at PSG game
November 17 – French football authorities have ordered Marseille to play one home match behind closed doors as a result of crowd trouble in last month’s game against bitter rivals Paris St. Germain.
2022 qualifying on hold as FIFA probe SAFA’s complaint of match-fixing
November 17 – FIFA will review South Africa’s appeal for a replay with Ghana in World Cup qualifying. The South Africans demanded an investigation after they lost a crunch qualifier in controversial fashion against Ghana 1-0, prompting Bafana officials to believe match-fixing was involved.
FIFPro turn back on Platini and opt for Aganzo as new president
November 17 – David Aganzo (pictured), head of the Spanish footballers union AFE, has been elected president of world players union FIFPro, dashing once and for all speculation that the job might have gone to ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini.
Hammered: West Ham fans banned from Europa League travel by UEFA
November 16 – Fans of English Premier League club West Ham United have been banned by UEFA from attending their Europa League clash away to Rapid Vienna following crowd trouble during a previous fixture at Genk earlier this month.
FIFA tells Kenyan government to reinstate Mwendwa or face football ban
November 16 – The Kenyan government has been directed by FIFA to immediately reinstate embattled Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa who has been arrested following last week’s disbanding of the federation by the government.
Qatar 2022: Italy stumble into play-offs, big wins for Swiss and English see them qualify
November 16 – Just four months after winning the delayed Euro 2020, Italy have missed out on an automatic place at the World Cup finals and will have to rely on the playoffs to get them to Qatar.
Edmonton centrestage as Mexico arrive for key 2022 qualifier and FIFA scrutineers ready for 2026 inspection
By Paul Nicholson
November 16 – This week FIFA’s inspectors resume their whistle-stop tour of cities bidding to be host venues for the 2026 World Cup, starting in Edmonton, Canada. It is a hugely important moment for this football city, but before they roll out the red carpet for the FIFA team, they have a more pressing football engagement.
Sala flight organiser jailed for 18 months
November 16 – Businessman David Henderson, who organised the flight that led to the deaths of footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson, has been handed an 18-month jail sentence.
Botofogo bounce back to Brazil’s Serie A at first attempt
November 16 – With two games remaining in the season, Rio giants Botafogo have clinched the Serie B title and promotion to the top flight following a 2-1 rearguard win against Operario.
Kenyan FA chief Mwendwa arrested as government probes FKF finances
November 15 – The crisis enveloping Kenyan football has deepened further with the arrest of the federation’s president Nick Mwendwa.
Coronavirus: Dutch protest new 3-week stadium lockdown
November 15 – Football behind closed doors is back in the Netherlands after the government ordered a three-week partial lockdown on Friday.
European Parliament backs FIFA and demands increased regulation of player agents
November 15 – The Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament has called for regulation of football agents, backing FIFA’s plans to reform the agents’ industry.