Twenty-six players and one official "have had their Italian match-fixing bans extended worldwide." FIFA said that 23 of the players were Italian along with one from Belgium, Belarus and Croatia. The suspensions, ranging from two months to four years, "stem from two separate investigations, one in Bari and one in Cremona" (REUTERS, 11/13). ... FIFA "launched the 16th Football for Hope Centre in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg on Tuesday." South Africa FA President Danny Jordaan asked FIFA "to consider naming the centre after Leepile Taunyane, who died recently -- a long-time resident of Alexandra and loyal servant of the game" (SAPA, 11/13). ... Brazilian footballers "will take action at this week's domestic league matches to demand fewer games, a longer pre-season and a greater say in decisions" (REUTERS, 11/13). ... Spain’s players "are reportedly resolute to not be photographed with Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang during their visit to the country." AS reported that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has communicated to its Equatoguinean counterparts that the Spanish squad "will not be attending a reception with Obiang and that they will not be available for any photo opportunities that may be used politically" (FOOTBALL ESPANA, 11/13).
