THIS MONTH
The recent unpleasant events in Sofi a have served to
remind us how much football refl ects the wider problems
of society – and how far the game still has to go in
tackling those problems.
If there is an upside to the situation it is that this could
mark a turning point in football’s dealings with racism.
Players such as Raheem Sterling
have rightly been praised for calling
out racists on social media. Their
bravery in being prepared to walk
off the pitch in Sofi a should provide
more than just pause for thought for
football ’s authorities.
But let’s not ignore or belittle the
problems that still exist in English
football. Whether it’s at Stamford
Bridge, the New Den or non-league
grounds up and down the country,
the English game still has a huge
problem with racism and racists.
Bulgaria were well beaten by England but are set to
feature in the Euro 2020 play-offs in March – unless
UEFA takes a stand against them. Such a move would
go some way to dispelling the
idea that UEFA is only interested
in administering a
sanitised, made-for-TV
sport that ignores the
game’s wider place
within society. But
don’t hold your breath.
The FIFA Council meeting in Shanghai has
awarded the hosting rights to an expanded
Club World Cup in 2021 to China.
Under the new format, the Club
World Cup will be increased to 24
teams from the current eight.
It will be held every four years
and replaces both the current
annual competition and the
Confederations Cup – the unloved
tournament between continental
champions that has been used as a
pre-World Cup warm-up since 1997.
Europe will supply eight of the 24
teams, including recent winnners of
the Champions League and Europa
League. So Real Madrid, Liverpool,
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea will
be among those taking part in the
2021 event. European clubs, via
the European Club Association,
had initially said that they wouldGavin Hamilton, Editor
THE WORLD
China to host
expanded Club
World Cup in 2021
Six teams qualify for Euro 2020 fi nals ............................................................................. p
FIFA announces plans for expanded Club World Cup ................................................... p
Lionel Messi presented with record sixth Golden Shoe ............................................... p
Bulgaria condemned for racism at Euro qualifi er .......................................................... p
Libertadores fi nalists confi rmed ......................................................................................... p
Female fans admitted to Iran World Cup qualifi er ......................................................... p
Milan turn to Stefano Pioli ..................................................................................................... p
Canada beat USA in CONCACAF Nations League ......................................................... p
Bob Bradley leads LAFC into MLS play-offs ................................................................... p
Michel Platini global ban ends ............................................................................................. p
CLUB WORLD CUP
New look...the tournament
format is changingBulgaria were
well beaten by
England but are
set to feature in
the Euro 2020
play-offs –
unless UEFA
takes a stand