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.
SIGA betting integrity forum warns US sports must be more aware to protect themselves
By Paul Nicholson in Miami
November 22 – The US is a changed and expanding marketplace for sports betting following deregulation but with the opportunity comes danger and questions over whether it is ready for the flood of new online bookmakers and partnerships. Underpinning fears is the ever-present threat of match-fixing.
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.
Mourinho makes his Spurs debut saying he is more humble, rested and ready to win
By Andrew Warshaw
November 21 – As charm offensives go, it was pretty impressive. He said he felt re-invigorated, insisted he was now a more “humble” human being and that, during his 11 months out of the game, he had analysed his career and learned from past mistakes.
FIFPro anger at Taison ban after giving the finger to Ukranian racists
November 21 – World players’ union FIFPro have reacted angrily to a decision to ban a Brazilian midfielder playing in Ukraine for reacting to racist abuse.
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.”
Dutch players to take a one-minute stand against racism
November 21 – Players in the Netherlands’ top two divisions will not play the first minute of all matches this weekend, standing still in silence to draw attention to racism, the first country to take such action.
SIGA launches ‘Clean Sport’ initiative ahead of regional summit in Kosovo
November 21 – SIGA, who today lead an Expert Summit session on match-fixing at the Soccerex convention in Miami, have announced two new initiatives taking place in December, both timed to coincide with ‘International Anti-Corruption Day’.
34 penalties later, Taunton beat Truro to win cup tie
November 21 – A non-league cup match has equalled the record for the longest penalty shootout in English football history. Taunton Town and Truro City needed 34 spot-kicks to separate them after drawing 2-2 in the Southern League Challenge Cup second round.
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.