Covid fundraiser Kimmich sparks debate after revealing he isn’t jabbed
October 26 – Bayern Munich captain Joshua Kimmich has ignited another debate over vaccination against Covid-19 in Germany after he admitted he is not yet vaccinated.
World Football
European Leagues argue UCL qualification must be based on merit, not history
October 25 – UEFA have once again been urged by Europe’s major leagues to decide Champions League qualification on sporting merit alone rather than on historic performance.
Montagliani highlights transformational year for Concacaf as it emerges from Covid
October 25 – Speaking to Concacaf member associations at the confederation’s 36th Ordinary Congress, president Victor Montagliani (pictured) praised his members for their commitment to the game and highlighted the “groundbreaking moment” of the US Department of Justice’s award of $70 million.
Anderlecht get €93m injection in bid to restore fortunes
By Samindra Kunti
October 25 – Can new winds, fresh capital and debt restructuring rejuvenate Anderlecht? Existing shareholders and new investors are set to inject the equivalent of €93 million into the club’s finances, while CEO Jos Donvil will be exiting the club.
Motsepe calls for Super League to break African football’s financial poverty
October 22 – Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has again called for the launch of an African Super League on the continent.
EU states write to Luxembourg court to formally oppose Super League plan
October 22 – The isolation of Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona over their belligerent insistence on trying to keep their Super League ambitions alive in the European courts, was highlighted again this week.
Court filing alleges AEK owner Melissanidis funnelled stolen money into Greek club
By Paul Nicholson
October 21 – Details are emerging of how controversial AEK Athens owner Dimitris Melissanidis allegedly misappropriated money from his now bankrupt shipping business to fund his own lavish lifestyle and the Greek club.
Infantino backs controversial Lekjaa as he expands career into Moroccan politics
October 21 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has shielded Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president and FIFA Council member Fouzi Lekjaa over his new role in the Moroccan government, claiming that FIFA is politically neutral.
UEFA issues tender for Champions League cryptocurrency partner
October 20 – UEFA has opened up a new cryptocurrency rights category, inviting bids for the licensing rights to the Champions League for the 2021-24 cycle.
FIFA strips Globo of digital rights as it opens up its Brazilian media packages
October 20 – Brazilian broadcast giant TV Globo has lost exclusivity to the digital rights for the 2022 World Cup, with FIFA breaking out streaming rights and offering packages to Youtube, Facebook and TikTok.
Conmebol sets prices high for Copa Libertadores showpiece in Montevideo
October 20 – Flamengo and Palmeiras fans will have to splash the cash to attend the 2021 Copa Libertadores final in Montevideo, Uruguay. South American governing body Conmebol has set ticket prices for November’s showpiece match between $200 to $650.
EU court to examine homegrown player quotas after Antwerp complaint
October 19 – The European Court of Justice will examine UEFA and Belgium’s quota for homegrown players and its compliance with the freedom of labour and competition law following a lawsuit by Royal Antwerp.
UEFA close Wembley gates for next England game and issue €100k fine
October 19 – English hopes of staging the World Cup in 2030 have been dealt a potentially damaging blow after UEFA slapped a stadium ban on the country following the disgraceful scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Expanded Futsal Euros hand Dutch hosts tough draw
October 19 – Hosts the Netherlands have been drawn alongside world and European champions Portugal as well Ukraine and Serbia/Belarus in the draw for Euro 2022.
Sala flight fixer admits he broke rules over fatal aircraft charter
October 19 – A man involved in the arrangement of the fatal flight that carried Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala to Cardiff to sign for the Welsh club almost three years ago admitted to one charge in court on Monday.