No host for AFCON 2020 women as Congo pull out and South Africa say no thanks
November 25 – South Africa have turned down an approach to step in as emergency hosts of next year’s women’s African Cup of Nations finals after Congo pulled out.
World Football
Gabigol double seals Copa Libertadores for Brazilian giants Flamengo
By Samindra Kunti in Lima
November 25 – Late heroics from Gabriel Barbosa ‘Gabigol’ crowned a resilient Flamengo Copa Libertadores champions on Saturday against River Plate with a 2-1 victory and within 24 hours the Rio giants won the Brazilian league after Palmeiras failed to collect any points at Gremio, becoming the first Brazilian club to complete the double since Pele’s Santos in the 60s.
Brest halt BATE’s Belarus winning streak at thirteen
By David Owen
November 25 – Their reign at the top could not quite match the 25 years – and counting – of Alexander Lukashenko, the country’s president. Nonetheless, BATE Borisov’s dethroning on Sunday as national champions of Belarus very much qualifies as ‘the end of an era’.
CAF fixtures clash squeezes club competitions to make space for CHAN
November 25 – African football has been hit by yet another club-versus-country fixture congestion issue.
Pirates in the Caribbean: Warner-linked treasure hunters seek regime change at TTFA
By Paul Nicholson
November 23 –Trinidad and Tobago, the home of FIFA’s most-wanted Jack Warner, will see FA elections tomorrow for a new president and three vice-presidents.
Russia ready for more big football hosting as St Petersburg sets up for 2020
It may be unprecedented for a city which stages the World Cup to host the subsequent European Championships but St. Petersburg is gearing up once again to take centre stage with three group games and a quarterfinal of the pan-European 2020 finals. In his second report from Russia, Andrew Warshaw reports from a city that promises to rekindle memories of the riveting atmosphere that pervaded last year’s global competition.
Afcon 2021 dates not set with rumours it will return to January to miss CWC clash
November 21 – The dates the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 are yet to be firmed up, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), raising the possibility of the tournament switching back from its recently introduced summer schedule to its previous January/February slot.
Flamengo and River Plate fans flood to Lima expecting a Copa Libertadores classic
By Samindra Kunti in Lima
November 21 – Tomorrow’s Copa Libertadores final between Brazilian giants Flamengo and defending champions River Plate has all the makings of a classic. but the fan logistics around the switch of the final to Peru raise questions about the direction Conmebol has taken its showpiece club game.
Garber says MLS will stick at 32 teams as he headlines Soccerex USA opening day
By Paul Nicholson in Miami
November 22 – MLS commissioner Don Garber, speaking at the Soccerex convention in Miami, said that the league’s “30th team will be announced before the end of the year” and that while there will be further expansion, the MLS is in no hurry to make it happen.
Kenyan chaos as government steps in to suspend elections after allegations of rigged process
November 21 – Kenyan football is in chaos again with elections at the football federation have been delayed by government over irregularities identified in the electoral requirements. The elections were supposed to have been held on November 23.
Pinnick blames Nigeria’s poor results on ‘toxic’ environment created by government
November 21 – Just days after an official anti-corruption government investigation into Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick – once the second most powerful figure in African football – and four other officials was dropped, Pinnick himself has lashed out at the authorities for being entirely to blame for the ongoing problems on and off the pitch saying his federation has had to operate in a “toxic and disruptive environment.”
Heineken renews its Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana sponsorships through 2024
November 21 – Having renewed its sponsorship of UEFA’s club competitions, Heineken has followed up with a renewal of its Conmebol deal for South America’s two leading club competitions, with Amstel being the brand partner.
Exclusive: Ahmad refuses Lagardere request to address CAF Exco on $1bn deal termination
By Osasu Obayiuwana
November 20 – The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ahmad, has rejected a request from Lagardere Sports (LS) to address its Executive Committee on November 21 in Cairo, regarding CAF’s decision to terminate its billion-dollar contract with the Paris-based company.
Miccichè quits Serie A presidency over election allegations
November 20 – Gaetano Miccichè has sensationally resigned as president of Serie A with immediate effect following an investigation into his election last year.
Singing in the valleys: Welsh joy as they qualify for Euro 2020
November 20 – Wales have reached their second straight European Championship finals thanks to a 2-0 home win over Hungary in their winner-takes-all Group E qualifier on Tuesday.