European Leagues boss Olsson says transfer window closing needs to be aligned
October 9 – The European summer transfer window should close at the same time everywhere as used to be the case, according to the head of the European Leagues.
World Football
Argentina and Brazil to return to Saudi Arabia for ‘Riyadh Season’ festival
October 9 – Saudi Arabia will stage another high-profile friendly between Brazil and Argentina in November as part of the Riyadh Season, the country’s General Entertainment Authority, headed by Turki Al-Sheikh, announced.
Belgian FA question Anderlecht over Kompany’s ‘unqualified’ coaching role
By Samindra Kunti
October 9 – Anderlecht have defended Vincent Kompany’s role as player-coach at the Belgian FA, denying that Simon Davies was a ‘shadow’ coach in place only to give Kompany the qualifications back-up required in Belgium.
Another flare-up at Celtic. UEFA charge club for 17th time
October 9 – Celtic have been charged by UEFA for fans setting off fireworks just over two weeks after being fined for the use of flares and throwing objects.
FIFA keep control of Ghana in run-up to election of Nyantakyi replacement
October 8 – FIFA has extended the term of the Normalisation Committee that oversees Ghanaian football.
Police fear England fans will spark a Friday night to forget in Prague
October 7 – Police chiefs reportedly pleaded with UEFA to switch England’s Friday night Euro 2020 kick-off in Prague this week amid fears of alcohol-fuelled crowd trouble.
Forty Years On, Barcelona revoke Franco’s medals
By David Owen
October 7 – More than four decades after the dictator’s death, the members of Barcelona – slogan ‘More than a Club’ – have voted to revoke medals given to General Francisco Franco.
Brazil revamps domestic calendar to avoid club vs country row
October 4 – In a bid to end longstanding disputes and conflicts between club and country, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has released a 2020 domestic calendar which prevents domestic fixtures from clashing with FIFA dates. That provision will not apply to the 2020 Copa America.
All about the money: Arsenal’s Aubameyang returns Watzke’s comment with interest
October 4 – Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has slammed Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke over the motives of his departure from the Ruhr club, calling the German executive a “clown” on social media.
Another day another FIFA $ thief. Equatorial Guinea’s Edjang banned
October 4 – FIFA’s drip-drip series of sanctions of former senior officials has snared another scalp with ex-Equatorial Guinea FA president Domingo Mituy Edjang banned for four years for having “misappropriated FIFA funds”.
LaLiga joins with El Salvador government in new schools programme
October 4 – LaLiga, via its foundation, is to participate in the opening of 262 schools in El Salvador.
Drone flying Armenian separatist flag halts Qarabag’s Europa League game in Luxembourg
October 4 – A Europa League game between Luxembourg’s F91 Dudelange and FK Qarabag of Azerbaijan was temporarily halted on Thursday when a drone was flown over the ground.
Copa Libertadores: River Plate find an edge but all square in Brazil in race for Qatar CWC slot
October 3 – River Plate have taken a huge step towards the final of the Copa Libertadores after defeating Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors 2-0 in their semi-final first leg. In the all-Brazilian semi-final, Gremio and Flamengo shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Spanish VAR gets nasty as Mediapro denies ‘manipulation’ and ‘criminal mindset’
By Paul Nicholson
October 2 – A row over the use of VAR in Spain has prompted LaLiga’s TV production partner Mediapro to issue a strongly worded rebuttal of accusations from the Spanish federation (RFEF) that Mediapro was manipulating public opinion with its broadcast coverage.
Former Valencia president Soler jailed for plot to kidnap and rob his former VP
October 2 – The former president of Valencia Juan Soler (pictured) has been jailed for two years for conspiring to kidnap his one-time vice-president and break into his home.