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.
World Football
French politicians demand Turkey match called off in wake of Istanbul military salute
By David Owen
October 14 – French politicians are calling for tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Turkey to be called off, in the wake of the Turkish players’ recent military-style salute after scoring against Albania.
Bulgarian coach Balakov says England are the real racists
October 14 – Tensions ahead of tonight’s European Championship qualifier between Bulgaria and England have been racked up after Bulgarian coach Krasimir Balakov accused England of having a bigger racism problem than his own country.
Andorra break their qualifying duck with 1-0 win over Moldova
October 14 – Tiny Andorra’s 21-year wait for a first European Championship qualifying win is over after they defeated Moldova 1-0 on Friday.
AFCON 2021 group qualifiers set after wins for Gambia, Chad, South Sudan and Sao Tome
October 14 – Gambia, Chad, South Sudan and Sao Tome (pictured) have advanced in qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Performance data analysts PlayMaker becomes USL Preferred Supplier
October 14 – The United Soccer League (USL) that recently announced David Beckham’s Miami FC and MLS old-stager new England Revolution as entering development teams in its third tier League One division, has added performance data providers PlayerMaker as a ‘preferred partner’.
Lukaku goals lead Belgium to being first to book place at Euro 2020 finals
October 11 – Belgium have become the first team to qualify for Euro 2020 after a 9-0 demolition job of amateurs San Marino.
Bulgarians say England’s walk-off threat is ‘unjust’ branding of country as racist
October 11 – The Bulgarian FA have written angrily to UEFA to protest against a threat by England players to walk off the pitch en masse if any of them are racially abused during Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia.
Uganda’s Magogo suspended over 2014 World Cup ticket resale scandal
October 11 – FIFA have suspended Uganda FA president Moses Magogo from all football-related activity for two months for his role in the resale of World Cup tickets. The football official has also been slapped with a $10,000 fine.
UEFA ban Slovan Bratislava fans for Wolves game but U-14s can still go for free
October 10 – UEFA have confirmed that Slovan Bratislava’s Europa League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers will be played behind closed doors after dismissing their appeal against being charged for racist chants by fans in a play-off game against PAOK of Greece.
Sligo parody ‘WAGatha Christie’ in quick-witted PR coup
By David Owen
October 10 – Sligo Rovers currently reside, it is fair to say, some way below the pinnacle of European football. But the League of Ireland club plays a mean social media game.
Security issues force Sierra Leone World Cup qualifier behind closed doors
October 10 – Sierra Leone have been ordered to play their next official match behind closed doors following “a number of incidents” linked to the recent World Cup qualifier against Liberia.
Beckham’s Inter Miami and New England Revolution commit to 3rd tier USL
October 10 – The USL, operator of professional leagues below the MLS, have won the commitments of David Beckham’s Inter Miami and MLS old stagers New England Revolution to enter teams in the second season of their third tier League One in 2020.
Europe’s clubs and leagues on collision course over Champions League set up post-2024
By Andrew Warshaw
October 9 – The heads of the two bodies representing Europe’s clubs and league have renewed their war of words over qualification for the Champions League in the post-2024 cycle and how European competitions should be structured.
All for one and one for all: England promise walk off if players are racially abused
October 9 – England players are threatening to walk off the pitch all together if any of them receive racist abuse from the stands when they take on Bulgaria in Sofia in a World Cup qualifier next Monday.