UEFA set to rule on Bulgarian racism at Euro 2020 qualifier vs England
October 28 – Bulgaria will learn their fate later today for the racist abuse England players suffered during the recent Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia.
The bells toll for the biennial Africa Cup of Nations
“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” – Aldous Huxley
FIFA’s decision to stage an expanded 24-team Club World Cup (CWC) in China, which will take place between June 17 and July 4 2021, has serious and grave implications for the future of Africa’s most prestigious tournament – the biennial Cup of Nations.
Bility pays CAS costs for CAF and FIFA to force hearing on legality of African takeover
By Osasu Obayiuwana
October 26 – Musa Hassan Bility, the former Liberia FA boss, who has taken FIFA and CAF to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has been compelled to pay CHF 42,000 in additional arbitral costs, to ensure his case is heard.
Chilean unrest forces Conmebol to suspend Futsal Copa America, but Libertadores still on
October 25 – Conmebol have suspended the Futsal Copa America in Chile amid ongoing social unrest in the country, fueling speculation that the Copa Libertadores final could be shifted away from Santiago.
All quiet in Brazil as FIFA set to launch U-17 World Cup
By Samindra Kunti in Rio de Janeiro
October 25 – Brazil and Canada kick off the U-17 World Cup on Saturday. The hosts will be among the favourites to win the tournament that was relocated at short notice from Peru.
Calendar crush: England plan to run leagues right up to Qatar 2022 start
October 25 – English football has started planning for the mid-season 2022 World Cup with the prospect of its top two divisions playing right up until nine days before the start of the tournament in Qatar.
FIFA warns Kenyans that political meddling in FA elections may force a ban
October 25 – Kenya is facing potentially serious sanctions from FIFA if there is any outside interference over the composition of the Kenyan FA’s (FKF) board mandated to oversee upcoming elections.
Budweiser launch NWSL campaign to bring in new brand sponsors
October 25 – Budweiser who activated a sponsorship of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US with its post-World Cup #WontStopWatching campaign to boost attendances and profile of women’s pro clubs and players, has given the league another push forward by challenging other brands to become ‘future’ sponsors.
Save the Date: SIGA set March 2020 date Sport Integrity Forum VI in New York
October 25 – SIGA have opened registrations for its sixth Sport Integrity Forum to be held in New York in 2020 at the New York Athletic Club on March 24.
Olympiakos vs Bayern U19s abandoned after thugs invade pitch
October 25 – Bayern Munich have made an official complaint to UEFA after a youth match against Olympiakos was abandoned because of crowd violence.
Man City adds Nestle Professional to partner roster with emphasis on social initiatives
October 25 – Manchester City has brought on Nestlé Professional as the club’s Official Coffee, Vegan and Vegetarian Partner in what is described as a multi-year deal.
2030 World Cup bidding to launch in 2022 with decision in 2024
October 25 – The host nation for the 2030 World Cup will be chosen in 2024, giving the winner just six years to prepare, following a decision by the FIFA Council.
All about the money: China rubber-stamped to host 24-team Club World Cup
By Andrew Warshaw
October 24 – China will host the first edition of the expanded Club World Cup in 2021 with FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailing the landmark event as “historic” and describing it as “the first real and true [Club] World Cup”.
Palace accelerate receipt of £22.5m Wan-Bissaka transfer instalment
By David Owen
October 24 – Crystal Palace, off to a good start to the season under former England boss Roy Hodgson, appear to have made arrangements in effect to receive a £22.5 million instalment of the transfer fee for wing-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka earlier than scheduled.
Spanish women vote to strike over minimum wage conditions in club game
October 24 – Almost 200 women players in Spain’s first division have voted to strike in a disagreement over pay and conditions.