UEFA open racism probes into Union Berlin and Sparta Prague incidents
October 6 – European governing body UEFA has opened investigations into racist behaviour from both Union Berlin and Sparta Prague fans in recent European club competitions.
World Football
European women’s stakeholders unite against FIFA’s biennial World Cup scheme
October 5 – Leading bodies and figures from across the women’s game in Europe have joined forces to attack the concept of a biennial World Cup in the latest opposition to FIFA’s proposals to radically change the global status quo.
FIFPRO warns of burnout after ‘workload’ report finds players operating in critical zone
October 5 – Football’s world players union has called for their members to be treated more compassionately in order prevent burnout, saying compulsory breaks must be put in place.
South African fans incentivised to get Covid jab with free entry for vaccinated
October 5 – Days after withdrawing from any attempts to host the Club World Cup this December, the South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed football fans will soon be returning to stadiums in South Africa, if they are fully vaccinated.
US women’s soccer shocked to standstill over NWSL sexual harassment allegations
October 4 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), until last week a picture of positivity, progress and growth, has reacted swiftly to the multiple allegations of sexual harassment that resulted in the firing of North Carolina Coach Paul Riley but which senior players have said is also a wider league problem.
FIFA fan Jordaan says World Cup has not benefitted Africa, but a biennial event would
October 4 – Following the lead of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the South African Football Association (SAFA) has endorsed the proposal for a biennial World Cup, with the governing body’s strongman Danny Jordaan arguing that the tournament in its current form “has not brought progress in African football over the last 100 years”.
Former OM president Bernard Tapie dies, aged 78
October 3 – Business magnate and controversial former Olympique Marseille president Bernard Tapie has died at 78 after a long battle with stomach cancer. He led the French club to the Champions league crown in 1993, a victory later overshadowed by a match-fixing scandal in the French league.
Super agent Zahavi charged in Belgium with forgery, fraud and money laundering
October 3 – Israeli football agent Pini Zahavi (pictured centre) has been charged in Belgium with forgery, use of forgeries, fraud and money laundering in relation to mismanagement at second-division club Royal Excelsior Mouscron, the federal prosecutor’s office said.
Abuse of Kamara continues in Prague as UEFA relaxes ban to let kids into stadium
October 1 – Scottish champions Rangers have written to UEFA to complain about the racist treatment of Glen Kamara during their Europa League game at against Sparta Prague on Thursday.
Pelé released from hospital to continue cancer treatment at home
October 1 – Brazil legend Pelé has been released from hospital after undergoing surgery for a colon tumour. He will require further treatment at home.
Riley becomes third NWSL coach to fired for sexual misconduct since August
October 1 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side North Carolina Courage have dismissed their English head coach Paul Riley following allegations of sexual misconduct. He becomes the third NWSL coach to be fired for misconduct since August.
LaLiga cleared to return to full stadia this weekend
September 30 – Spanish health authorities have green lighted full stadiums in LaLiga again for the first time since the global health crisis.
Brazil extends Caboclo ban from CBF for sexual bullying
September 30 – Rogerio Caboclo has been suspended as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) until 2023 because of sexual and psychological harassment.
Barca’s Champions League blow outs put pressure on Koeman
September 30 – Pressure is building on Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman after the club made their worst start to a Champions League campaign ever following a humbling 3-0 defeat at Benfica.
Flamengo win sets up all-Brazilian Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras
September 30 – Flamengo and Bruno Henrique once again breezed past Ecuador’s Barcelona 2-0 to complete a 4-0 semi-final victory and set up a blockbuster Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras, the second all-Brazilian final in a row.