FA orders racially ruined FA Cup match to be replayed
October 22 – An English FA Cup qualifier abandoned at the weekend because of racist abuse when the home players walked off is to be replayed rather than the tie be awarded to either team.
Europe
UEFA’s business incubator signs three start-ups
October 22 – UEFA has signed three start-up businesses as part of its business innovation drive to develop new technologies and products that will significantly impact the commercial management and promotion of football and its assets.
When enough is enough: Haringey walk off over Yeovil Town fans’ racial abuse
By Andrew Warshaw
October 21 – Everyone was appalled by the headline-making events in Sofia recently when England’s black players were verbally abused by a section of the Bulgarian fans.
Racism crisis: Roma fans target England’s Vieira with money chants
October 21 – Racism has once more marred Italian football. This time Sampdoria and England U-21 midfielder Ronaldo Vieira was the target of monkey chants from AS Roma fans.
UEFA separate Russia and Kosovo in bid to keep the peace
By Andrew Warshaw
October 21 – In another strategic move to preserve football’s geo-political status quo, UEFA have decided to keep apart Russia and Kosovo in European competition because of “security risks”.
Olsson says ‘no decision’ on Champions League format imminent
By Andrew Warshaw
October 18 – No final decision on the format to revamp the Champions League post-2024 will be taken for at least a year but a closed shop competition is a “no go” area, according to the head of the umbrella body representing Europe’s major leagues.
Racism crisis: Politicos put pressure on UEFA to ban teams
October 18 – British politicians from across all parties are urging UEFA to ban teams who do not tackle racism effectively, following Monday’s highly publicised incidents in Sofia when England played Bulgaria.
Relief for Premier League clubs as 4th Champions League spot looks safe
October 18 – English Premier League clubs have been reassured there are no plans to strip them of their fourth automatic Champions League place.
El Clasico called off as Catalonian violence escalates
October 18 – This month’s El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid has been called off because of fears of civil unrest just 24 hours after reports suggested that Spanish football chiefs would reject reversing the two league fixtures between the clubs.
Bulgarian police make six arrests after racist night of shame
October 18 – Bulgarian police have made six arrests in the aftermath of Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against England, which was twice halted for racist chanting and Nazi salutes and led to the Bulgarian football president, Borislav Mihaylov, resigning 24 hours later.
Catalan unrest unlikely to sway RFEF to reverse Barca vs Real Madrid this weekend
October 17 – Spanish football chiefs are reportedly likely to reject La Liga’s request to switch El Clasico on October 26 from Barcelona to Real Madrid because of the ongoing civil unrest throughout Catalonia.
Stoichkov sheds TV tears over Bulgaria’s abusive fans
October 17 – Bulgarian football legend Hristo Stoichkov was reduced to tears in response to the racist abuse dished out by Bulgaria’s fans towards England’s players during their Euro 2020 qualifier earlier this week.
Ceferin calls for war in racists as Infantino says it is time to ‘eradicate’ the ‘obnoxious disease’
By Andrew Warshaw
October 16 – UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria following the racist abuse towards England’s black players that made Europe-wide headlines while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin insisted football alone cannot eradicate the problem.
St Pauli axe Turkish midfielder Sahin for supporting war on Kurds
October 15 – Germany’s St Pauli have parted company with their Turkish midfielder Cenk Sahin, after he posted support of Turkey’s military offensive against the Kurds on social media. Sahin will return his old club Istanbul Basaksehir.
Spain wrap international window with last gasp Euro qualification goal
October 16 – Spain qualified for Euro 2020 with a last-gasp 1-1 draw away to Sweden. They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia and Ukraine in next year’s finals.