AFC tools up its members with media, marketing and comms skills
October 16 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held its first regional media and marketing workshop for ASEAN Member Associations las weekend in Bangkok, Thailand.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Swiss feds probe beIN Sport and Valcke over World Cup TV rights deals
By Andrew Warshaw
October 13 – In a stunning twist to their anti-corruption football probe, Swiss federal prosecutors have opened a criminal case against the Qatari boss of Paris St Germain, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, for suspected bribery linked to World Cup broadcasting rights.
Ecuador suspends five players after late-night stop out before Argentina qualifier
October 13 – Five Ecuadorian players have been suspended from the national side for indiscipline following this week’s 3-1 home defeat to Argentina which sent the visitors through to the World Cup finals.
Al-Qadi of the Rovers: Jordanian finds football roots and passion in west of England
By Andrew Warshaw
October 13 – Arab investment in European football has become commonplace in recent years with the likes of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates taking over a number of leading clubs. But further down the pyramid, a Jordanian businessman is reaping the rewards of putting his faith in a lower-league English team.
Staubli breaks the gender divide to take charge at U17 World Cup in India
October 13 – Switzerland’s Esther Staubli is set to make history by becoming the first European female referee – and only the second ever – to officiate in a FIFA men’s tournament.
Sky and BT viewing for Premier League has strong start to 2017-18 season
October 13 – Viewing figures for Premier League football in the UK are showing a rebound in interest from the start of the season, after summer data showed that viewing figures for Sky’s Premier League coverage had slumped to their lowest point in seven years last season.
World Cup 2018 ticket boost: FIFA says 3.4m requests in first sales window
October 13 – Having initially announced that 2 million tickets had been requested with two days to go before the close of the first 2018 World Cup ticket sales window, FIFA has now confirmed more than 3.4 million requests.
Chinese parachute in top Euro refs to close out CSL season
October 13 – Chinese football authorities have named the “high-level” European and American referees for the four remaining weeks of the Chinese Super League season in a move to boost the standard of officiating.
Strachan departs Scotland after failure on the big stage
October 13 – After yet another bitter Scottish disappointment, Gordon Strachan has stepped down as manager of the national team after their failure to qualify for the playoffs of the World Cup.
Valcke defends reputation and record in the wake of FIFA’s rewritten history
By Andrew Warshaw
October 12 – He was the FIFA trouble-shooter who was eventually fired himself and fell spectacularly from grace. But now Jerome Valcke, for eight years Sepp Blatter’s right-hand man, has gone public with a vigorous defence of his reputation.
When is a deal not a deal? Colombia and Peru deny pact despite slow finish to 2018 qualifier
By Andrew Warshaw
October 12 – Players from Colombia and Peru have denied they deliberately colluded to make sure both had a chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
Figo signs on for advisory role with UEFA
October 12 – Portuguese legend Luis Figo, who ran for FIFA president two years ago before pulling out of the race with a stinging attack on the electoral process, has joined UEFA as a football advisor.
Nike hot foots Portugal extension as trans-Atlantic battle with Adidas heats up
By Mark Baber
October 12 – Nike and the Portuguese Football Federation have extended their long-term partnership until 2024. No value was announced for the deal.
US fiasco in Trinidad sparks storms of protest as Warner parties on and Fox stays focussed
October 12 – The United States’ failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia marks a “sad and dark moment” for the game in the country says former star defender Alexi Lalas.
India and Ghana battle to keep U17 World Cup run going in New Delhi showdown
By Samindra Kunti, New Delhi, India
October 12 – Hosts India must beat Ghana in their final group A game to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Brazil, France and England, all undefeated, have emerged as early favourites.