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.
Europe
Brugge boss Verhaeghe says joint Belgium-Netherlands league talks are back on
By Samindra Kunti
October 24 – Club Brugge president Bart Verhaeghe (pictured) has reignited talk around the formation of a ‘BeNe League’, saying that Belgium and the Netherlands are in discussion on how they join forces to found an 18-team league that could begin play as early as 2021.
Dispute over date for re-arranged El Clasico fixture gets royally heated
October 24 – LaLiga is considering legal action after the season’s first El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid was rescheduled for December 18 by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Spurs probe ticketing protocols after Red Star fans break stadium ban
October 23 – UEFA are reported to be considering whether to join Tottenham Hotspur in launching an investigation into how more than 200 Red Star Belgrade fans “illegally” bought tickets for their side’s away Champions League fixture on Tuesday despite a blanket ban for racism.
UEFA shuts doors or Serbian racists
October 22 – Serbia have been ordered to play their next home game behind closed doors in the latest sanction imposed by UEFA for racism.
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.
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.