12-team Euro play-off draw for Qatar 2022 set for November 26
October 26 – The eagerly anticipated 12-team European playoffs to decide who joins the 10 qualifying group winners at the World Cup in Qatar will be made on November 26.
Crowd trouble: LFP shuts Saint-Étienne stadium until at least mid-November
October 26 – Saint-Étienne, one of France’s most iconic clubs but currently bottom of Ligue 1, have been ordered to play their home games behind closed doors until at least the middle of next month after protests from angry fans delayed the start of last Friday’s 2-2 draw with Angers by an hour.
Bayern fans lobby for end to Qatar Airways sponsorship
October 26 – Bayern Munich fans have moved again against the club’s sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which remains contentious amongst its fans due to the airline’s state ownership and Qatar’s human rights record.
Chinese dairy business Mengniu doubles up with Qatar 2022 sponsorship
October 26 – Chinese dairy product giant Mengniu, has signed up for its second World Cup partnership, becoming an Official Sponsor of Qatar 2022.
Benzema faces jail if found guilty in Valbuena sex tape blackmail case
October 26 – France and Real Madrid star Karim Benzema faces sentencing on November 24 if he is found guilty of his involvement in an attempt to blackmail his former national teammate Matthieu Valbuena. His lawyers are demanding the case be thrown out but a potential prison sentence looming if he is found guilty.
Covid fundraiser Kimmich sparks debate after revealing he isn’t jabbed
October 26 – Bayern Munich captain Joshua Kimmich has ignited another debate over vaccination against Covid-19 in Germany after he admitted he is not yet vaccinated.
US investor declares interest in buying Derby County
October 26 – US businessman Chris Kirchner has thrown his hat into the ring as the search for a buyer of iconic English club Derby County, who have been in administration for five weeks, continues.
European Leagues argue UCL qualification must be based on merit, not history
October 25 – UEFA have once again been urged by Europe’s major leagues to decide Champions League qualification on sporting merit alone rather than on historic performance.
Montagliani highlights transformational year for Concacaf as it emerges from Covid
October 25 – Speaking to Concacaf member associations at the confederation’s 36th Ordinary Congress, president Victor Montagliani (pictured) praised his members for their commitment to the game and highlighted the “groundbreaking moment” of the US Department of Justice’s award of $70 million.
Covid-blighted PSV Eindhoven register €23m loss topped off by a 5-0 defeat at Ajax
October 25 – Blaming the coronavirus pandemic, PSV Eindhoven has registered a loss of €23.2 million for the 2020-21 season.
FIFA’s chase of $1bn+ from EA Sports license could cost them $150m a year
October 25 – The cost to FIFA of losing the EA Sports license for the exclusivity over use of the FIFA brand in its videogame is reportedly put at $150 million annually.
TV journo jailed in UAE for leaking comments ‘provoking hate speech’ before 2022 qualifier
October 25 – Prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates say they have imprisoned a television journalist for apparently leaking pre-match comments made before the Emirates’ World Cup qualifier against Iraq earlier this month.
AFC Asian Cup China 2023 logo launched at opening Shanghai Pudong Stadium
October 25 – The Asian Cup China 2023 tournament logo was launched last Friday in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Pudong Football Stadium, the competition’s first completed stadium.
Darkest day: Solskjaer vows to fight on after Liverpool thrashing
October 25 – Manchester United manager Gunnar Solskjaer lamented what he described as his “darkest day” in the job but vowed not to quit following Sunday’s 5-0 humiliation at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.
Anderlecht get €93m injection in bid to restore fortunes
By Samindra Kunti
October 25 – Can new winds, fresh capital and debt restructuring rejuvenate Anderlecht? Existing shareholders and new investors are set to inject the equivalent of €93 million into the club’s finances, while CEO Jos Donvil will be exiting the club.