CL draw produces spectacularly unbalanced groups, just ask Spurs and Celtic fans
By Mark Baber
August 25 – The draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage has produced some fascinating match-ups as well as groups of wildly uneven strength.
World Football
End ban on Libya hosting internationals, says political leader al-Serraj. But don’t let him run security
By Mark Baber
August 25 – Libyan politician Fayez Mustafa al-Sarraj, whose official titles include Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya and prime minister of the Government of National Accord of Libya, has made a visit to Tripoli’s Al-Ahli football club on calling for an end to the “ban” on international matches in Libyan stadiums.
Cameroon political twist: normalisation committee adds to doubt over 2019 AFCON hosting
By Andrew Warshaw
August 24 – Cameroon’s flickering hopes of staging the 2019 African Nations Cup have been plunged into further doubt following FIFA’s appointment of a normalisation committee to run the national federation (FECAFOOT).
Fast growing USL shatters league attendance record with three months to go
August 24 – Just seven weeks into the 2017 United Soccer League (USL) season, the fast growing second-tier division in the US has announced record breaking attendances of more than 1.5 million, beating its 2016 total attendance, itself a record.
Ronaldo takes to Twitter as Spanish sports court rules out ban appeal
August 23 – Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted furiously to his five-game ban for pushing a referee being upheld by Spain’s administrative sports court.
Dynamo Kiev defy Ukrainian FA and refuse to play in Mariupol over safety fears
By Mark Baber
August 23 – The executive committee of the Ukrainian FA has voted 28-2 in favour of continuing to hold Ukrainian Premier League matches in Mariupol, notwithstanding Dynamo Kiev’s apparent decision not to play in the city this weekend.
Sampson vs Aluko: FA sticks by manager as PFA’s Taylor enters the fray
August 23 – The English Football Association is reported to be sticking by the coach of its national women’s team Mark Sampson despite fresh allegations that he made a racist remark towards striker Eniola Aluko.
CAF delays Kenya inspection as 2018 CHAN hosting looks to be slipping away
By Mark Baber
August 22 – With qualification for the 2018 African Nations Championship winding up this evening, it remains to be seen where the final tournament will be held, as The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announces they are delaying a crucial inspection visit to Official Host Kenya until September 7.
Ghelamco to file new stadium plans in last chance for Brussels 2020 hosting
By Samindra Kunti
August 22 – Building contractor Ghelamco will file a new application for the construction of Brussels’ Eurostadium with the Flemish government as time is running out for the venue. The Belgian capital is slotted to host multiple matches during Euro 2020.
CAF cancel Cameroon inspection visit as PwC get cold feet and 2019 AFCON in the balance
By Andrew Warshaw
August 21 – Cameroon’s bid to host the 2019 African Cup of Nations appears to be hanging by a thread after an inspection visit to the country scheduled for this week was suddenly called off.
Video ref on the spot in Bundesliga and Serie A
August 21 – The champions of the Bundesliga and Serie A saw a couple of key decisions of the new season overturned by the video assistant referee at the weekend.
North America warms to 2026 World Cup bid with 46 cities hunting a piece of the action
August 18 – Thirty-four cities in the United States, seven in Canada and three in Mexico, in all encompassing 49 stadia, are on a list of proposed venues to host the 2026 World Cup, the United Bid Committee for the three prospective joint hosts has announced.
Cameroon wait for AFCON 2019 hosting ruling with Morocco lobbying in the wings
By Andrew Warshaw
August 18 – Cameroon will learn on September 23 whether it can go ahead and stage the first expanded African Nations Cup finals in 2019 or whether it will have to step down through lack of facilities.
Bolivian reform setback as FA chief Peredo quits ‘carnival’ to play elsewhere
By Samindra Kunti
August 17 – The president of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) Marco Peredo resigned on Wednesday, citing “the carnival” that persists in Bolivian football and the resistance to his presidency as his motives.
Tapia says Messi and friends will end press boycott while on Argentine team duty
August 17 – Argentine FA President Claudio Tapia has told the press that it won’t just be him speaking to them in future but that the that national team players will return to doing media interviews and end their boycott.