It "may not end Russian economic problems when it comes to the ruble to dollar exchange rate," but the Central Bank of Russia is "determined to take advantage of the 2018 World Cup in the country and issue commemorative currency." The bank is currently "looking for FIFA's approval for a coin series celebrating the 2018 event." First Deputy Chair of the Central Bank Georgy Luntovsky said, "We are working on a coin program for the world championship. We are currently awaiting approval from FIFA and the Sports Ministry of Russia." Luntovsky said that the Central Bank "may also issue World Cup themed banknotes." He added, "There is no decision on banknotes yet, but it is a possibility" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 10/21). ... The "disputed 2018 World Cup qualifier between Palestine and Saudi Arabia" is to be played on Nov. 5. A FIFA statement said that "in view of the agreement made between the two teams last June, the match would be rescheduled to take place in Palestine" on Nov. 5 (AFP, 10/21). ... The Milk Cup youth football tournament will be known as the Super Cup NI in '16 "after the competition concluded its sponsorship deal with Dale Farm." The Dale Farm deal has been "in place for two years after the Northern Ireland Dairy Council ended its long-standing sponsorship of the tournament." Competition organizers are already said to be "actively in discussions" with a number of other potential sponsors (BBC, 10/20). ... The "house full" sign is "expected to be raised above Allianz Stadium on Saturday with all tickets for the Sydney A-League derby expected to be sold well before kick-off." More than 40,000 "will flock to Moore Park" when Sydney FC hosts rivals Western Sydney Wanderers. About 1,200 tickets "remained on sale as of Wednesday afternoon" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 10/21). ... The Int'l Table Tennis Federation announced that the Liebherr 2016 Men's World Cup will be held in Saarbrücken, Germany. The event, which only 20 of the world's best table tennis players qualify for, will be staged in Saarlandhalle from Oct. 1-3, 2016. Saarbrücken will be the third German city and the 12th European city to host the event since the first World Cup in '80. Magdeburg was the host in '10, more recently in '14, Düsseldorf was the home (ITTF).
