Senegalese hero Papa Bouba Diop dies, aged 42
November 30 – Former Senegal international midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, who scored the goal that produced one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, has died aged just 42.
England’s Covid tiers keep half the Premier League shut. Arsenal first to get fans back
November 27 – Top-flight English clubs will be split down the middle when it comes to welcoming back fans for the first time in more than eight months after the current national lockdown ends next week.
UEFA nations ranked as 2022 World Cup qualifying pots decided for December 7 draw
November 27 – FIFA has confirmed the seedings for the European section of qualification for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with England, Belgium and reigning world champions France in Pot 1.
UEFA hands Qarabag’s Ibrahimov life ban for ‘kill’ all Armenians’ social post
November 27 – In an unusual move, UEFA has banned for life a staff member of Azerbaijani champions Qarabag for a social media post that showed “racist behaviour” and “incidents of a non-sporting nature”.
Cairo on edge as Zamalek and Al-Ahly clash in CAF Champions League final
November 27 – Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al-Ahly will renew African football’s oldest rivalry in the final of the Champions League, staged as a single match for the first time in the modern era in their home city of Cairo.
Tebas says LaLiga stadia could be open to some fans by early Jan/Feb 2021
November 27 – LaLiga President Javier Tebas has said he hopes to have fans back in Spanish stadiums in January or February 2021.
Emotions overflow as Argentines mourn at Maradona’s funeral
November 27 – In contrast to his global popularity, Diego Maradona was buried in a small private ceremony on Thursday amid emotional scenes especially on the streets of his native Argentina and in Naples where he resurrected the fortunes of the Serie A club.
Belgium extend lead at top of World Rankings, Brazil close gaps
November 27 – After a dark summer with almost no international football played, Autumn has brought some light with 160 full internationals played in November that in turn have impacted FIFA’s rankings.
French football factory leads Brazil in exporting quality players to the biggest leagues
November 27 – Globetrotting Brazilian footballers make up the highest numbers of players from one nation outside their country, playing in 23 different national leagues worldwide. But it is the French expat players who are the most prevalent in Europe’s big five leagues.
Cyber attack breaches Man Utd’s defensive wall
November 27 – Manchester United are reeling from a cyber attack that has hacked its computer systems with some club staff reportedly unable to access emails.
AFC-FIFA safeguarding webinar pilots roll-out to other MAs
November 27 – The AFC-FIFA Safeguarding Orientation Webinar saw more than 100 participants from 46 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Member Associations participate this week.
Saudis unite to keep 2027 Asian Cup bid ball in the air
November 27 – Asian Cup 2027 bidders have announced record levels of public engagement for their ‘Play it Forward’ initiative, the first activation the #SaudiUnited campaign last week, designed to support the bid and promote the game in the country.
From Popes to paupers; world pays tribute to genius of Diego Maradona
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – From the Pope to FIFA to current and ex-managers and players, and three days of national mourning in his native Argentina.
CAF boss Ahmad to appeal FIFA ban at CAS, saying Africa is under attack
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad is to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against his five-year FIFA ban but his chances of clearing his name don’t look great.
AFC dials up new commercial era with China Mobile Migu deal
By Paul Nicholson
November 26 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a groundbreaking broadcast and sponsorship partnership with China Mobile Migu, one of the world’s largest companies.