Chinese media demand ‘El Clasico’ is played at midday

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By David Gold

November 9 – Following calculations that 60 million Chinese fans tuned in live to see Real Madrid’s 7-1 win over Osasuna on Sunday (November 6), China’s media want the Clasico between the league leaders, Real, and the current champions, Barcelona, to be played at midday.

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FIFA reiterate poppy ban for England friendly

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By Andrew Warshaw

November 9 – The relationship between FIFA and the English football authorities has reached a new low after world football’s governing body again rejected a request for the England team to wear poppies on their shirts during Saturday’s friendly with Spain – 24 hours before Remembrance Sunday.

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UEFA admit to reliance upon “luck of the draw”

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By Andrew Warshaw at the Dolder Grand in Zurich

November 8 – The organiser of next year’s European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine admits that “the luck of the draw” could play a significant part in determining whether the event ends up being a success – off the field as much as on it.

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