FIFA steps in to postpone Rwanda FA elections
September 5 – The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has postponed presidential elections originally scheduled for September 10th following a request from FIFA.
Safe Standing lobby pushes UK government to consider year-end policy change
By Paul Nicholson at Soccerex, Manchester
September 5 – A meeting at the end of this year between the Sports Grounds Safety Authority and the government will be the next stage to deciding whether standing areas will be allowed to return to top flight English football.
Veo launches operator free video system for club coaches
September 5 – Danish company Veo has launched a video recording system that can film games without using a camera operator and deliver an edited match back to clubs and coaches within 24 hours.
PSG transfer mega-spend triggers UEFA investigation into financial finagling
By Andrew Warshaw
September 4 – Despite insisting they have played strictly by the rules, Paris St Germain’s eye-watering spending spree during the latter part of the summer transfer window is to be investigated by UEFA for possible breaches of financial fair play.
Facebook opens up new commercial opportunities for football’s rightsholders
By Paul Nicholson at Soccerex, Manchester
September 4 – Facebook is coming of age as a serious marketing and broadcast option for football’s rights holders. Speaking at the Soccerex Global Convention that opened in Manchester today Jerry Newman, Facebook’s Sport Partnership Lead for EMEA, told clubs and leagues, “don’t procrastinate. Get out there.”
Kuwait vs world: new statutes review in another bid to return to international play
September 4 – Attempts to end Kuwait’s long exile from international football are expected to take place this week with talks over amending the Kuwaiti FA statutes according to local reports.
CAF cancels Kenya inspections as political uncertainty raises CHAN hosting fears
September 4 – For the second time in a matter of days, The Confederation of African Football (CAf) has called off an inspection visit to Kenya, hosts of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
German chiefs condemn pro-Nazi chanting at Czech World Cup qualifier
September 4 – German coach Joachim Low and his players have denounced a hardcore section of fans for their disgraceful pro-Nazi chanting during Friday night’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.
Fireworks kill spectator of Indonesia-Fiji friendly
September 4 – A firework fired at the end of a friendly match between Indonesia and Fiji on Saturday in Bekasi, West Java, killed a spectator.
Belgium cut player bonuses as Red Devils secure Russia 2018 finals spot
By Samindra Kunti
September 4 – The Belgian national team’s bonuses have been scaled down ahead of the 2018 World Cup after the Belgian FA, the KBVB, and the players reached a mutual agreement.
Greece’s Pas Giannina breaks down social barriers with refugee initiatives
September 4 – Today Olympiacos FC is hosting a conference in partnership with Harvard University promoting football’s social responsibility, particularly in relation to refugees and other vulnerable groups. The Greek giants aren’t the only club in the country who believe that football has a social duty and ability to be a great equalizer.
Subbuteo licenses Champions League marks as federation schedules Euro club competition
September 4 – Subbuteo is back and now with a European dimension with UEFA having licensed a Champions League edition of the table football game with Spanish owners Eleven Force. Meanwhile Subbuteo’s world body – Fédération Internationale de Sport Football de Table (FISTF) – has announced it will be staging its own 2017 European Champions League of Table Football on October 28 – 29 in Rochefort, Belgium.
Transfer window record closes with records broken, some hearts as well
By Andrew Warshaw
September 1 – The window is closed, the brinkmanship is over and the domino effect has run its course. The result of which is that the English Premier League once again smashed its own summer transfer record with a total spend of more than £1.4 billion.
Transfer spending by numbers. How football has become more than a game
By Paul Nicholson
September 1 – The just closed record transfer window means that gross spending by Premier League clubs has surpassed £10 billion since the first transfer window in January 2003. And according to industry analysts, clubs are not spending above their means – ridiculous as some of the amounts paid appear.
India warming up to its football revolution with sell-out U17 World Cup
By Samindra Kunti
September 1 – In October India will host their first major international tournament, the U-17 World Cup. Six host cities will welcome 24 teams, including England and debutants New Caledonia. In an interview with Insideworldfootball, tournament director Javier Ceppi discusses the build-up and preparations as local organisers seek to cross the finish line in time for the opening game between the hosts and the United States of America on October 6.