Mexico may go it alone for 2026 World Cup bid
November 1 – Mexico, the first country to host the World Cup twice, now wants to be the first to stage it three times and is prepared to do so alone rather than jointly with the United States.
World Football
Gabon players issue strike threat as country readies for 2017 AFCON hosting
October 31 – Gabon, hosts of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, has been threatened by its players who say they are prepared to go on strike in a row over non-payment of salaries. Chief among four main demands is the back payment of salaries dating from present day back to 2013.
Belgian Leekens returns to Algeria for second spell with national team
By Samindra Kunti
October 31 – It has been a busy week for Belgian George Leekens (pictured) who is returning to Algeria as national team coach just days after being sacked by his club Lokeren.
USL adds Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury to league for 2017
By Paul Nicholson
August 28 – The United Soccer League (USL) the third tier of the US professional game has won over two teams from the second tier of US soccer, the NASL, for the 2017 season. Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Ottawa Fury will join Reno 1868 as expansion sides.
CONMEBOL turns to law to claw back ‘bribery’ cash of corrupt partners ISM
October 27 – So often portrayed as one of the main culprits in the world football corruption scandal, CONMEBOL has opened legal proceedings against its American sponsorship partners International Soccer Marketing Inc (ISM) in a bid to recover damages of $18 million paid in commission for exclusive broadcasting rights.
Brazil calendar rethink puts pressure on breakaway Primeira Liga
By Samindra Kunti
October 27 – The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) may enforce changes to the domestic football calendar that could threaten the existence of the Primeira Liga, a breakaway tournament.
Irish FA chief Delaney quits his VP role on Olympic Council
By Andrew Warshaw
October 27 – John Delaney, the colourful and often controversial chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, has quit his additional role as vice‑president at the Olympic Council of Ireland.
Schmidt watches Leverkusen lose on his tablet after ‘nutcase’ jibe triggers ban
October 27 – Bayer Leverkusen head coach Roger Schmidt has been banned and fined for calling an opposing manager “a nutcase” during a Bundesliga game.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns qualify for Club World Cup in Japan
October 27 – South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned the African champions after overcoming Egypt’s Zamalek to win the 2016 CAF Champions League. In December they will represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, the first South African side to do so.
Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto Torres dies, aged 72
October 27 – The football world is paying tribute to Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team – regarded as possibly the greatest national side of all time – and scorer of one of the sport’s most memorable goals who has died aged 72 at his home in Rio de Janeiro.
Fox sued in US for allegedly bribing CONMEBOL bosses for TV rights
By Andrew Warshaw
October 25 – The US-led probe into football corruption took another significant twist on Thursday when a Florida-based sports channel, GoITV Inc, sued Fox Sports Latin America alleging that Fox executives had paid tens of millions of dollars in bribes to CONMEBOL officials in exchange for lucrative television rights to tournaments, according to the Washington Post.
Marginalised Euro leagues make power play for voice at UEFA’s top table
By Andrew Warshaw
October 24 – European leagues are seeking membership of UEFA’s executive committee as part of negotiations to stave off a potential fixture free-for-all next season.
English FA boost budget for Women’s game to build participation and WSL
October 24 – The English FA is to increase its budget for women’s football to £17.7 million, a 16% increase, as the national governing body seeks to increase primary school (up to age 11) participation by girls in the game from its current 40%.
Euro leagues threaten UEFA with ‘walk-out’ unless new deal is agreed
By Andrew Warshaw
October 21 – The simmering dispute over proposed changes to the Champions League escalated dramatically today when Europe’s major leagues threatened to rip up their working relationship with UEFA next spring unless the governing body meets their demands for the controversial deal to be either scrapped or tweaked.
Traffic’s Davidson changes plea to guilty blowing US corruption case wide open
By Andrew Warshaw
October 21 – American marketing executive Aaron Davidson has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in the US-led probe into football corruption and has had his trial set for April 24 next year.