Relief for Premier League clubs as 4th Champions League spot looks safe
October 18 – English Premier League clubs have been reassured there are no plans to strip them of their fourth automatic Champions League place.
World Football
El Clasico called off as Catalonian violence escalates
October 18 – This month’s El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid has been called off because of fears of civil unrest just 24 hours after reports suggested that Spanish football chiefs would reject reversing the two league fixtures between the clubs.
Bulgarian police make six arrests after racist night of shame
October 18 – Bulgarian police have made six arrests in the aftermath of Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against England, which was twice halted for racist chanting and Nazi salutes and led to the Bulgarian football president, Borislav Mihaylov, resigning 24 hours later.
Tensions flare in Senegal over appearance money for Brazil match
By David Owen
October 17 – Tensions are reported between Senegalese players and the national federation over appearance money and travel conditions for the recent friendly against Brazil. According to France Football, citing in turn Senegalese media, the players turned down an appearance payment of €1,000, compared with the usual €1,150.
Sacramento poised to take MLS’s 29th expansion slot
October 17 – Sacramento’s long wait may have paid off with media reports suggesting the new club franchise will become the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) team.
Catalan unrest unlikely to sway RFEF to reverse Barca vs Real Madrid this weekend
October 17 – Spanish football chiefs are reportedly likely to reject La Liga’s request to switch El Clasico on October 26 from Barcelona to Real Madrid because of the ongoing civil unrest throughout Catalonia.
Stoichkov sheds TV tears over Bulgaria’s abusive fans
October 17 – Bulgarian football legend Hristo Stoichkov was reduced to tears in response to the racist abuse dished out by Bulgaria’s fans towards England’s players during their Euro 2020 qualifier earlier this week.
Ceferin calls for war in racists as Infantino says it is time to ‘eradicate’ the ‘obnoxious disease’
By Andrew Warshaw
October 16 – UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria following the racist abuse towards England’s black players that made Europe-wide headlines while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin insisted football alone cannot eradicate the problem.
Rapinoe ‘optimistic’ a pay deal can be done but says there will be no compromise
October 16 – US women’s football star Megan Rapinoe, who captured the hearts of her nation and millions more fans worldwide during the recent World Cup, says she’s “optimistic” that she and her fellow players can reach an agreement in their legal battle against the US Soccer Federation.
St Pauli axe Turkish midfielder Sahin for supporting war on Kurds
October 15 – Germany’s St Pauli have parted company with their Turkish midfielder Cenk Sahin, after he posted support of Turkey’s military offensive against the Kurds on social media. Sahin will return his old club Istanbul Basaksehir.
Spain wrap international window with last gasp Euro qualification goal
October 16 – Spain qualified for Euro 2020 with a last-gasp 1-1 draw away to Sweden. They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia and Ukraine in next year’s finals.
Racism crisis: Two strikes but they stay. England and Bulgaria play out ugly qualifier
By Andrew Warshaw
October 15 – Forget the 6-0 scoreline, impressive though it was. The resurgence of racism sweeping through European football reached a new low at international level on Monday when England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was halted twice after home fans were warned about racist behaviour including Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.
Maracana in pole position for 2020 copa Libertadores final
October 15 – Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium are favourites to stage the 2020 Copa Libertadores final ahead of Thursday’s decision by Conmebol on host venue.
French minister calls for UEFA to sanction Turkey over players’ military salutes
By David Owen
October 15 – French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu has called on UEFA to sanction Turkey after the Turkish team’s players executed another military-style salute in the Stade de France on Monday night.
Ecuadorian unrest threatens women’s Copa Libertadores
October 15 – A wave of political unrest in Ecuador has spilled over into football with world players’ union FIFPro calling for the women’s Copa Libertadores to be called off.