FIFA presidential candidates "will participate in a forum on the future of the embattled world football federation at the European Parliament on Jan. 27," according to Mark Bisson of WORLD FOOTBALL INSIDER. Three of the five candidates -- Jérôme Champagne, Gianni Infantino and Tokyo Sexwale -- have indicated that "they will attend."
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein "is said to be trying to rearrange his schedule to take part in the Brussels debate." Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa "is unable to attend due to a series of Asian Football Confederation meetings at the end of the month." The Brussels forum for the candidates vying to replace Blatter at the Feb. 26 FIFA presidential election "is being organized jointly by the European Parliament Sports Intergroup and the #NewFIFANow campaign group" (WORLD FOOTBALL INSIDER, 1/4).
FIFA TO FINE CHELSEA: LONDON 24 reported Chelsea is "set to be fined by FIFA" over its handling of Mohamed Salah’s summer move to Serie A side AS Roma. The winger "was on loan with Fiorentina last season, and had a clause in his contract that the Viola could extend the deal for an extra season" at the cost of £1M ($1.4M). However, Salah "confirmed he wanted to join Roma instead and refused to turn up for Firoentina training." FIFA is set to make an announcement on Jan. 25 that Chelsea will pay Fiorentina compensation for breaking its contract (LONDON 24, 1/4).
VALCKE'S FATE: The AFP reported suspended FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke "will learn his fate on Tuesday when the world football governing body's internal court meets to discuss his case" (AFP, 1/5).
