Brazil breaks tradition appointing Lima as first female national team coach
By Samindra Kunti
November 7 – The Brazilian FA, the CBF, have appointed their first female head coach with Emily Lima (pictured) chosen to succeed Oswaldo Alvarez.
Derby of eternal enemies presents first Greek headache for FIFA
By Matt Scott
November 4 – FIFA’s decision to take control of the dysfunctional Hellenic Football Federation faces its first major test this Sunday when Olympiacos host Panathinaikos in the biggest Athens derby.
Infantino makes cases for expanding World Cup and reducing club squad sizes
By Andrew Warshaw
November 4 – Battered by widespread criticism of his plans to expand the World Cup finals, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come out fighting by insisting the move will provide a better spectacle for both fans and sponsors.
Astigarraga takes on top role in new reform-focussed CONMEBOL
By Andrew Warshaw
November 4 – In the latest move in its drive to reform itself and enhance its credibility after becoming shamefully embroiled in world football’s corruption scandal, CONMEBOL have named José Manuel Astigarraga as its new secretary general.
FIFA metes out fines for religious, political and homophobic fan behaviour
November 4 – Iran have been fined by FIFA after fans were asked to sing religious chants and wear black at a World Cup qualifier played on a holy day.
Cecafa seeks host for Challenge Cup after Sudan, then Kenya, pull out
November 4 – The Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) is once again looking for a new host for this year’s Senior Challenge Cup after Kenya backed out, officials said Thursday.
FIFA says Bolivia’s World Cup Qualifying points deduction is still in place
November 4 – FIFA have denied a claim by the Bolivian football federation (FBF) that sanctions imposed for fielding an ineligible player have been lifted.
FIFA unveil list of women nominees for ‘Best’ awards
November 4 – FIFA’s women’s player of the year nominees include just one American, Carli Lloyd, who will defend her “title” against three Olympic champions from Germany and Brazil’s five-time winner Marta.
Gambia goalkeeper dies drowns attempting crossing to Europe
November 4 – The 19-year-old goalkeeper of Gambia’s national women’s football team has tragically drowned in the Mediterranean trying to reach Europe amidst the horror of the ongoing migrant crisis.
Poppy protests drag Ireland into FIFA’s sights over Easter Rising commemoration
November 4 – The poppy dispute between the English and Scottish federations and FIFA has rebounded on the Republic of Ireland who have had a disciplinary case opened against them over a logo worn in March to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the so-called Easter Rising against British rule.
LaLiga unveils Marques del Atrio as official wine sponsor in 3-year deal
November 4 – LaLiga has announced a three year sponsorship with the Hacienda y Viñedos Marques del Atrio winery that sees the Marques del Atrio brand as the league’s official wine partner across its three divisions.
AVB takes over from Sven at Shanghai SIPG
November 4 – Andre Villas-Boas has been named manager of Chinese Super League team Shanghai SIPG in succession to former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson who has left after two years in charge.
Christmas jumpers come early at Manchester City
November 3 – For many Manchester City fans Christmas came early with their 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona earlier this week. Now the club is kicking off its festive season with a number of promos and initiatives designed to engage their growing global fanbase.
The club is asking fans to vote for their favourite side and taking part in a range of festive competitions both online and at the Etihad Stadium on matchdays.
Saints lure Lander to south coast revolution but Chinese deal hard on price
By Paul Nicholson
November 3 – Saints could soon be marching in to a Chinese tune. The Premier League club are in exclusive negotiation with Lander Sports Development Co. of China though there seems to be some readjustment over valuation of the club.
English and Scots set to ignore poppy ban as fury at FIFA’s lack of respect mounts
By Andrew Warshaw
November 3 – England and Scotland look set to defy a FIFA ban on players wearing poppy symbols on their shirts when the teams meet for a World Cup qualifier on Armistice Day on November 11 after British Prime Minister Teresa May waded into the dispute.