beIN SPORTS commits to Club World Cup TV despite piracy issues in Saudi
November 28 – Qatar-owned broadcaster beIN Sports has bought the TV rights for the next two editions of the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar.
Human Rights Watch accuses FIFA of ‘double-standards’ over CWC award to China
November 28 – A leading human rights organisation has denounced FIFA for awarding its inaugural expanded Club World Cup to China, saying football’s world governing body has totally ignored “serious human rights violations” in the country and is guilty of double standards by disregarding its own much-trumpeted policy.
City Football Group expands portfolio with stake in Mumbai City
By David Owen
November 28 – City Football Group (CFG) has made its long-awaited move into India, today unveiling a deal to buy 65% of Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City.
Egypt’s Zamalek refuse to play CAF Super Cup in Qatar
November 27 – In a potentially serious blow to footballing geo-politics in the region, Zamalek of Egypt are refusing to go ahead with Africa’s Super Cup in Qatar in February.
Loophole keeps Russia clear of WADA ban demands for Euro 2020
November 27 – Russia will be able to compete at Euro 2020, and play its part in co-hosting the 12-city tournament in St. Petersburg, even if a four-year doping-related ban on the country comes into effect.
New TTFA bosses face insolvency issues as they rush to pay out Warner
By Paul Nicholson
November 27 – News that banned former Concacaf president and FIFA vice president Jack Warner, still battling extradition to the US to face corruption and embezzlement charges, is likely to be the first financial beneficiary of the new Trinidad and Tobago FA (TTFA) administration has sparked furious reaction across the Caribbean and fears for the future of the TTFA internally.
Football is lead sport on whistleblower hotline with match-fixing the most reported crime
November 27 – A sports integrity whistleblower hotline is reporting that 85% of the crimes reported to date have been in football, with 23% of the crimes being match-fixing offenses and 12% being laundering.
Italian dash for the Saudi Super Cup cash could cost $500m if beIN drops Serie A rights
November 27 – Serie A’s decision to take its Super Cup to Saudi Arabia could cost the Italian league $500 million in TV rights if beIN Sport follows through on its threat to drop the league from its schedules when the broadcast rights agreement comes up for renewal for the 2021-2024 cycle next year.
Bruges double sending off in stoppage time, a Champions League record?
November 27 – In what was surely a first, Bruges had two players sent off after a stoppage-time equaliser away at Galatasaray on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Dortmund and Puma in 8-year renewal for €250m
November 27 – Borussia Dortmund and Puma have extended their contract until 2028, believed to be worth a €250 million.
Banned Chiyangwa takes Zifa’s new bosses to court over abusive texts
November 27 – Former Zimbabwean strongman Philip Chiyangwa (pictured), banned for life in the summer by his own federation (Zifa) for “bringing Zimbabwean football into disrepute,” is taking his successor Kamambo to court accusing him of sending insulting messages via his mobile phone.
Exclusive: Banned Warner lobbied for new TTFA chief Wallace and now seeks payment
By Paul Nicholson
November 26 – Jack Warner’s power broking influence in football looks to have returned and it also looks like he is once again going to get paid for it.
WADA’s call for Russian ban ask questions of St Petersburg’s Euro 2020 hosting
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – Russia’s staging of four matches at Euro 2020 is reported to be under threat after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) committee recommended the country be banned from hosting sports events for four years.
Exclusive: Nigeria’s Rohr considers coaching future as he chases outstanding pay
By Osasu Obayiuwana
November 26 – With just seven months left on his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Gernot Rohr, the German coach of the Super Eagles, is making it clear that he is looking at his options.
UEFA hits Feyenoord with fan ban and fine after Swiss rampage
November 26 – Feyenoord have been banned from selling tickets to their fans for next month’s Europe League game at Porto.