FIFA says Bolivia’s World Cup Qualifying points deduction is still in place
November 4 – FIFA have denied a claim by the Bolivian football federation (FBF) that sanctions imposed for fielding an ineligible player have been lifted.
FIFA unveil list of women nominees for ‘Best’ awards
November 4 – FIFA’s women’s player of the year nominees include just one American, Carli Lloyd, who will defend her “title” against three Olympic champions from Germany and Brazil’s five-time winner Marta.
Gambia goalkeeper dies drowns attempting crossing to Europe
November 4 – The 19-year-old goalkeeper of Gambia’s national women’s football team has tragically drowned in the Mediterranean trying to reach Europe amidst the horror of the ongoing migrant crisis.
Poppy protests drag Ireland into FIFA’s sights over Easter Rising commemoration
November 4 – The poppy dispute between the English and Scottish federations and FIFA has rebounded on the Republic of Ireland who have had a disciplinary case opened against them over a logo worn in March to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the so-called Easter Rising against British rule.
LaLiga unveils Marques del Atrio as official wine sponsor in 3-year deal
November 4 – LaLiga has announced a three year sponsorship with the Hacienda y Viñedos Marques del Atrio winery that sees the Marques del Atrio brand as the league’s official wine partner across its three divisions.
AVB takes over from Sven at Shanghai SIPG
November 4 – Andre Villas-Boas has been named manager of Chinese Super League team Shanghai SIPG in succession to former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson who has left after two years in charge.
Christmas jumpers come early at Manchester City
November 3 – For many Manchester City fans Christmas came early with their 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona earlier this week. Now the club is kicking off its festive season with a number of promos and initiatives designed to engage their growing global fanbase.
The club is asking fans to vote for their favourite side and taking part in a range of festive competitions both online and at the Etihad Stadium on matchdays.
Saints lure Lander to south coast revolution but Chinese deal hard on price
By Paul Nicholson
November 3 – Saints could soon be marching in to a Chinese tune. The Premier League club are in exclusive negotiation with Lander Sports Development Co. of China though there seems to be some readjustment over valuation of the club.
English and Scots set to ignore poppy ban as fury at FIFA’s lack of respect mounts
By Andrew Warshaw
November 3 – England and Scotland look set to defy a FIFA ban on players wearing poppy symbols on their shirts when the teams meet for a World Cup qualifier on Armistice Day on November 11 after British Prime Minister Teresa May waded into the dispute.
Twitter: West Ham get vocal and top tweet chart, as Spurs look a little left behind
November 3 – It was a strong week for twitter activity last week with a total of 4,739 tweets from the Premier League teams, the second highest week this season after the 5,085 tweets in week ending Sunday September 18.
More empty desks at FIFA as Dvorak joins the queue for the exit
November 3 – The revolving door at FIFA under Gianni Infantino’s presidency has claimed yet another member of the old guard with the news that the organisation’s highly respected chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak has stepped down from his post after 22 years in the job.
Mystery UK investors offer $1.5bn for takeover of Nigerian league
November 3 – Forever cash-strapped Nigerian football could have a solution to its problems if rumours that a group of UK investors are ready to invest $1.5 billion into the Nigeria Professional Football League are true.
Mercurial Mourinho shows no regret as he receives one-match ban
November 3 – Many would argue he has got off lightly given past misdemeanours but Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been banned for one match and fined £58,000 after being charged for two separate offences.
FIFA ethics prosecutors call for life ban for Chirakal over bribery allegations
November 3 – FIFA prosecutors have recommended a life ban be imposed on a former aide to disgraced ex-Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam for seven alleged breaches of the ethics code.
Hull City sale still open but GCPSL have current lead with £130m bid
November 2 – The Hull City takeover saga continues with front-runner Greater China Professional Services Limited (GCPSL)holding a press conference in Hong Kong outlining their plans for the club, but saying that although they are currently undertaking due diligence they do not have an exclusivity agreement with the club but a memorandum of understanding.