Sacramento poised to take MLS’s 29th expansion slot
October 17 – Sacramento’s long wait may have paid off with media reports suggesting the new club franchise will become the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) team.
World Football
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.
Rapinoe ‘optimistic’ a pay deal can be done but says there will be no compromise
October 16 – US women’s football star Megan Rapinoe, who captured the hearts of her nation and millions more fans worldwide during the recent World Cup, says she’s “optimistic” that she and her fellow players can reach an agreement in their legal battle against the US Soccer Federation.
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.
Racism crisis: Two strikes but they stay. England and Bulgaria play out ugly qualifier
By Andrew Warshaw
October 15 – Forget the 6-0 scoreline, impressive though it was. The resurgence of racism sweeping through European football reached a new low at international level on Monday when England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was halted twice after home fans were warned about racist behaviour including Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.
Maracana in pole position for 2020 copa Libertadores final
October 15 – Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium are favourites to stage the 2020 Copa Libertadores final ahead of Thursday’s decision by Conmebol on host venue.
French minister calls for UEFA to sanction Turkey over players’ military salutes
By David Owen
October 15 – French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu has called on UEFA to sanction Turkey after the Turkish team’s players executed another military-style salute in the Stade de France on Monday night.
Ecuadorian unrest threatens women’s Copa Libertadores
October 15 – A wave of political unrest in Ecuador has spilled over into football with world players’ union FIFPro calling for the women’s Copa Libertadores to be called off.
French politicians demand Turkey match called off in wake of Istanbul military salute
By David Owen
October 14 – French politicians are calling for tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Turkey to be called off, in the wake of the Turkish players’ recent military-style salute after scoring against Albania.
Bulgarian coach Balakov says England are the real racists
October 14 – Tensions ahead of tonight’s European Championship qualifier between Bulgaria and England have been racked up after Bulgarian coach Krasimir Balakov accused England of having a bigger racism problem than his own country.
Andorra break their qualifying duck with 1-0 win over Moldova
October 14 – Tiny Andorra’s 21-year wait for a first European Championship qualifying win is over after they defeated Moldova 1-0 on Friday.
AFCON 2021 group qualifiers set after wins for Gambia, Chad, South Sudan and Sao Tome
October 14 – Gambia, Chad, South Sudan and Sao Tome (pictured) have advanced in qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.